Red Cross and Summit-New Providence Rotary Club Host
MLK Day Blood Drive

The American Red Cross Colonial Crossroads Chapter will honor the ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, Jan. 21 by hosting a blood drive from 1 – 6:30 p.m. at the Grand Summit Hotel (570 Springfield Ave.). Sponsored by the Summit-New Providence Rotary Club, the Red Cross MLK Day Blood Drive is part Summit’s 10th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, a full day of service projects and celebrations taking place in various Summit locations from 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

“Volunteers comprise 97 percent of the Red Cross and are the backbone of everything we do to help others, from assisting the victims of area house fires, transportation for Union County’s seniors to maintaining a free community medical equipment bank,” explained Christy Hodde, American Red Cross Colonial Crossroads Chapter executive director. “On the 40th anniversary of Dr. King’s death, we invite the members of our community to become a volunteer. Men and women of all races, ethnicities, faiths and economic circumstances can honor his memory and pay service to our community by donating blood at the Red Cross blood drive.”

Donors only need to attend with identification, showing proof of age. Anyone at least 17 years-old, in good general health, and weighing 110 pounds or more is eligible to donate blood every 56 days. Individuals do not need to know their blood type and walk-ins are welcome. (Complete eligibility guidelines are posted on www.pleasegiveblood.org.) To thank blood donors for choosing to donate on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, all presenting donors will receive a special label pin.

The entire process is quick and to eliminate waiting time, donors may even schedule an appointment at a convenient time. Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (800-448-3543) for more information or to make an appointment.

More information and a complete list of activities for the 2008 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service 2008 visit www.shapingsummittogether.org.