Honor Our Military Memorial Day Weekend

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May 27, 2010, 06:30 ET

Join Red Cross Racing, donate blood and get points – or give points

WASHINGTON, May 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Memorial Day is a special holiday in America because it commemorates U.S. men and women who died during their military service. This year, the Red Cross asks you to honor our brave service members and help save lives through your blood donations.

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Log onto Red Cross Racing – Get Points or Give Points Back: Once you donate blood, you can go to redcrossracing.com and report your donation and get Red Cross Racing points. These points may be exchanged for exclusive racing gear and other exciting prizes. And, beginning this weekend, the American Red Cross, Greg Biffle and 3M Racing are proud to offer you one more way to show your patriotism by giving you the chance to donate your Red Cross Racing points back to the Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces (SAF). Your donated points will help the Red Cross provide services, programs and goods to our troops and their families. Our 7,000 SAF volunteers and staff offer resources like emergency communications, support for wounded warrior programs, hospital outreach, veterans programs and assistance for families coping with the stress of deployment. Your points will help your Red Cross provide even more comfort and support to our troops and their families.

Get bonus Points: Red Cross Racing members who donate between Friday, May 28, 2010 and Tuesday, June 1, 2010, will get 75 bonus points to their Red Cross Racing account. The summer months are an important time to donate, as all types of blood are needed, especially type O negative.

How to Donate Blood:

Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment today. All blood types are needed to ensure the Red Cross maintains an adequate blood supply. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Donors must be in general good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and be at least 17 years old (16 in some states with completed Parental Consent Form). New height and weight restrictions apply to donors younger than 19. Visit redcrossblood.org to learn more.

About Red Cross Racing:

Red Cross Racing is a donor rewards program designed to increase the number of blood donors and the number of times they donate. Blood donors get points in exchange for activities, including giving blood and/or platelets and recruiting other blood donors. Those points may be exchanged for exclusive NASCAR® racing gear and collectables. Check out redcrossracing.com to join the race where everyone wins. Please call us at 1-800-RED CROSS or visit us online at redcrossracing.com to schedule your blood donation appointment.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; provides nearly half of the nation's blood supply; teaches lifesaving skills; and supports military members and their families. The American Red Cross is a charity, not a government agency and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission.

SOURCE American Red Cross