WHO: Smoothies are a healthy and delicious treat. Giving blood is a vital community activity that can save up to three lives. That's why the American Red Cross and Planet Smoothie are teaming up to encourage everyone to give blood. From September 12-26, all platelet and blood donor participants at all blood drives and donor centers in metro Atlanta and Athens will receive a coupon for a FREE 22 oz. smoothie from Planet Smoothie while supplies last.

Enter Enter Enter . All blood and platelet drive participants from Monday, March 28 through Saturday, April 16 will be entered into a drawing to win a one-night stay at the Savannah Courtyard by Marriott and dinner at River House Seafood (valued at $50). The drawing will be held April 18.

WHERE: All metro Atlanta and Athens blood drives and donor centers.

WHEN: September 12 to September 26

WHERE: Savannah Donor Center

25 Tibet Avenue, Savannah 31406

WHY: Human beings are the only source of blood. While 60 percent of the population is eligible to donate blood, in the Southern Region of the American Red Cross only approximately 3 percent donate. In order for blood to be available wherever and whenever it's needed, people need to donate blood on a regular basis.

WHEN: Monday, March 28 through Saturday, April 16

Donor Center Hours

Mon, Tue, Thu: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Wed, Fri: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sat: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sun: Closed

WHY: Human beings are the only source of blood. While 60 percent of the population is eligible to donate blood, in the Southern Region of the American Red Cross only approximately 3 percent donate. In order for blood to be available wherever and whenever it's needed, people need to donate blood on a regular basis.

HOW: Most healthy people age 17 or older, who weigh at least 110 pounds can donate blood every 56 days or platelets every two weeks, up to 24 times each year. The American Red Cross Blood Services Southern Region needs at least 1,200 people to donate each weekday just to meet the needs of hospital patients. To find out more about donating blood or to make an appointment to give, please call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (448-3543) or log on to www.givebloodredcross.org .

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CONTACT: Troy Russell – (404)-253-5235/ (404)-210-3020 (cell)