Give the gift of life this Valentine's Day

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Finding the perfect gift to give for Valentine’s Day can be challenging. But giving the gift of life is easy, say American Red Cross leaders.

This Valentine’s Day, give blood through the American Red Cross in honor of your special someone. Or better yet, give blood with your special someone and double your lifesaving impact, the Red Cross noted.

“When you donate blood, you help save lives,” said Geoff Kaufmann, CEO of the local Red Cross Blood Services region. “It’s one of the greatest gifts that you can give. It may only be a pint of blood for you, but for a patient in need it can mean the difference between life and death.”

As Americans become increasingly mobile, you can feel good knowing that when you donate blood through the Red Cross you may be helping patients not only in your local community, but also your family and friends across the nation.

While all blood types are needed to ensure a stable supply for patients in need, type O negative blood is especially needed right now.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities in this area include:

•February 17, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Armory, 311 Broadway Street, Alexandria.

•February 22, noon to 6 p.m., Calvary Lutheran Church, 605 Douglas Avenue, Alexandria.

•February 23, noon to 6 p.m., Calvary Lutheran Church, 605 Douglas Avenue, Alexandria.

To donate blood, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visit givebloodgivelife.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients.

A blood donor card or driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Eligible donors must be at least 17 years old, must weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health.

Tags: local news, blood drive, red cross, news, blood, ksax