FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sharing Over the Holiday

NOVEMBER 11, 2005, SEATTLE WA — The Thanksgiving holiday is a time when many of us gather with relatives and friends to visit and share a warm meal together. It also presents an opportunity for us to reflect on and be thankful for the things we’ve received in life. Donating blood is one way we can give to others by sharing the gift of life.

Many of us get out of our routine during this time of the year with travel, time spent with friends and other extra holiday activities. The need for blood remains constant. We urge regular donors to continue their life saving work during this period. We also hope new donors will see this time of the year as an opportunity to give to their community. One donation can potentially save three lives.

Although Puget Sound Blood Center Donor Centers are closed on Thanksgiving, all Donor Centers maintain their normal hours of operation the rest of the days of Thanksgiving week. Donor Centers normally open Wednesdays, Fridays and/or Saturdays will be open as usually scheduled prior to and following the holiday. Those interested in donating can schedule a time by calling 800-398-7888.

Puget Sound Blood Center is an independent, community based blood center internationally recognized for its research, medical and blood and tissue services. For more than sixty years, the Blood Center has been conducting research to improve the quality of life for all those it touches. The Blood Center currently provides blood to 70 hospitals and clinics throughout Western Washington. Cancer, Leukemia and Hemophilia patients, as well as people who fall victim to unfortunate traumas that occur everyday depend on the benefits provided through the Puget Sound Blood Center. It is especially important that we as individuals do our part to ensure our community members a stable blood supply by donating on a regular basis. So as you plan your festivities don’t forget those in need, include donating blood or volunteering with the Puget Sound Blood Center today.

This holiday Season, treat yourself with good feelings by donating blood to any of our mobile blood drives. Visit the Blood Center’s Web site at www.psbc.org or call 1-800-398-7888 to find a blood drive near you. For those who cannot donate at a mobile blood drive, contact one of the locations below:

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