American Red Cross, Keebler® Keep Blood Donation Sweet

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Mar 06, 2013, 11:33 ET

Keebler donates more than six million cookies a year, continues partnership at blood drives

WASHINGTON, March 6, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Red Cross and Keebler are continuing their partnership to sweeten the deal for donors who give lifesaving blood for those in need.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130306/DC72289)

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090108/RedCrossLOGO)

After each blood and platelet donation, the Red Cross and Keebler treat donors to cookies and beverages as a way to say 'thank you' for making a positive difference in the lives of others. Keebler signed on with the Red Cross in August 2011 and is now pledging another two years of donated cookies, equivalent to six million cookies per year. The company's "Be a good cookie. Get a good cookie.™" campaign promotes the importance of giving blood.

"We are grateful for the ongoing support of our generous partner, Keebler," Shaun P. Gilmore, President of Biomedical Services at the Red Cross said. "People count on the blood and platelets provided by selfless volunteers. The millions of cookies Keebler provides each year allow us to thank our donors after they've given lifesaving blood."

"I'm thrilled to continue our partnership with the American Red Cross in the 'Be a Good Cookie' program. Our Keebler Elves believe in doing Uncommonly Good things and by recognizing each blood donor with a cookie, Keebler hopes to inspire even more acts of goodness!" said Kellogg Company President, U.S. Snacks, Todd Penegor.

To celebrate the continued partnership, the American Red Cross presented Ernie Keebler, leader of the Keebler elves, with the honorary title of "Red Cross Cookie Chairman." Ernie was very humbled by this appointment and takes this new role very seriously. He felt very honored to join the president of Red Cross Biomedical Services, Shaun Gilmore as they hand-deliver delicious Keebler cookies to those who had just donated blood. Seeing the smiling faces on the blood donors made Ernie proud to be a part of the American Red Cross family.

To learn more about blood donation, visit redcrossblood.org. For information about Keebler^® cookies, go to keebler.com.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at blog.redcross.org.

About Kellogg Company
At Kellogg Company (NYSE: K), we are driven to enrich and delight the world through foods and brands that matter. With 2012 sales of $14.2 billion, Kellogg is the world's leading cereal company; second largest producer of cookies, crackers and savory snacks; and a leading North American frozen foods company. Every day, our well-loved brands nourish families so they can flourish and thrive. These brands include Kellogg's®, Keebler®, Special K®, Pringles®, Frosted Flakes®, Pop-Tarts®, Corn Flakes®, Rice Krispies®, Kashi®, Cheez-It®, Eggo®, Coco Pops®, Mini-Wheats®, and many more. To learn more about our responsible business leadership, foods that delight and how we strive to make a difference in our communities around the world, visit kelloggcompany.com.

SOURCE American Red Cross