FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

‘Tis the Season of Giving

DECEMBER 1, 2005, SEATTLE WA — For many of us, winter time is a period of holiday cheer, of sharing times together with our close friends and family and giving gifts to those we care about to show our appreciation of them. One of the greatest gifts to be had is the gift of life, a gift thousands throughout Western Washington give every day in the form of blood donation.

The holiday season is traditionally a time of year in which blood supplies are at the lowest. Many of us get out of our routine during this time of the year with holiday travel, visits with friends and other extra holiday activities. But the need for blood remains constant. It is only with the generosity of our donors that we have blood on hand to answer every need.

This year alone, volunteers stepped forward to give more than 200,000 donations throughout Western Washington. This holiday season consider giving the gift of life in the form of a blood donation. Whether a regular donor, an occasional donor or considering giving for the first time, a single donation can potentially help save three lives. What a great way to spread holiday cheer! In return you will receive our thanks, a cup of juice and some cookies.

The Blood Center wishes the best of health, happy holidays and much thanks to our donors and volunteers for giving the gift of life.

For more than sixty years, the Puget Sound 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. 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 locate a convenient mobile blood drive, you can visit one of our Donor Centers, locations listed below:

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