The American Red Cross is urgently appealing for the greatest-possible participation in scheduled blood drives during the coming weeks. There is an immediate need to boost the blood supply. January typically brings a drop in blood donations because of winter vacations.

Currently, the Red Cross is delivering many units of blood to hospitals as quickly as they can be donated, processed, and tested. All blood types are needed.

Children with leukemia, adult cancer patients, accident victims and others depend on all of us to give blood. You can help. Please make a convenient appointment to donate blood at an upcoming blood drive. Visit
www.givelife.org or call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543).

If you have been told previously by the American Red Cross or another blood center that you should never donate blood, please disregard this message. If you recently made a blood donation, or if you have already scheduled an appointment to donate blood, please accept our thanks on behalf of the patients whose lives you may have touched. To donate blood you must be at least 17 years old, weigh 110 lbs. and be in good health.

*In certain areas without a Daphne's Greek Cafe' another donor appreciation item may be substituted.

Allan Pilger