Rock and Roll Up Your Sleeves and Donate

American Red Cross announces Rock and Roll Up Your Sleeves
Campaign to Increase Blood donations during Summer Months
Enter for a chance to win a platinum record from legendary rockers “Lynyrd Skynyrd”

Whether you rock around the clock or just love to rock ‘n’ roll all night, the American Red Cross wants you to “Rock and Roll up Your Sleeves” this summer and donate blood.  Giving the “gift of life” can truly make music for someone else in the Missouri and Illinois.  During May and June, come “Rock and Roll up Your Sleeves” at selected Red Cross blood drives and receive a special rocker-style T-shirt and the opportunity to win an authentic Lynyrd Skynyrd platinum album. The need for blood is especially high in the summer due to an increase in travel because of family vacations and school breaks. 

“It doesn’t matter if you love Elvis, download hip-hop to an I-pod or sing in the shower, music gives life and so does donating blood," said Darlene Simons, Director of Recruitment for the Missouri-Illinois Blood Services Region.   “It’s not the Red Cross that needs your donation; it’s a friend, relative, neighbor or co-worker who is counting on blood being on the hospital shelves.”

In recent years, summer months have been particularly difficult on the community’s blood supply and the Red Cross urges not only rockers but everyone to call 1-800-Give-Life (1-800-448-3543) or click here to make an appointment to help save a life. In less time than it takes to listen to Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Second Helping platinum album that the Red Cross is raffling away to presenting donors, you can help save the lives of up to three people.  Fewer than eight percent of the healthy, able population who can donate, actually do and there is a constant need for blood.

“Only at the Red Cross can you help save a life and maybe win a Lynyrd Skynyrd platinum album,” continues Simons.  “So, come, give blood and support our community. And afterwards, you will feel like a rock star.”

You need to be in good health, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be at least 17 years old (16 with signed American Red Cross parental consent form).  The Red Cross reminds those coming to donate to bring a picture ID.