Nov. 13, 2007
NORMAL, Ill. -
As the holiday season approaches, there is one gift that is always needed - the gift of life. The Illinois State baseball team, along with the American Red Cross, will offer that gift, as the groups will sponsor its annual blood drive Tuesday, Dec. 4 at Redbird Arena.
The blood drive will take place from noon - 6 p.m. in the Redbird Club Room at Redbird Arena. By taking only an hour out of a person's day, the blood drawn can help give up to three people a brighter, healthier future.
Head baseball coach Jim Brownlee knows the importance of his team's involvement with the Red Cross and hopes that the turnout will be as successful as it has been in previous years.
"I think it's always great when we can give back to the community," said Brownlee. "We always get a lot of positive feedback for our involvement, and it is something that is obviously very important. The blood is always needed and there is a shortage this time of year. Our players do a good job of recruiting people to help out, and it's worked out very well in the five years that we have been at ISU.
"I think it's one of the best things that we can do to help the Red Cross. One of the unique things about our athletic department is the amount of community service that our student-athletes complete. It probably goes unnoticed, whether it is the State Farm "Just Read!" program, or going to the nursing homes and reading to the elderly. I think that our student-athletes are doing the right thing, and this is certainly the best thing the baseball program does to give back to the community."
All blood types will be accepted and are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. To give blood, a blood donor card or valid driver's license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Donors must be at least 17 years of age, or 16 years old with a signed consent form in Illinois, and must weigh at least 110 pounds.
To make an appointment or for more information on the blood drive, call (309) 438-3633.
