Red Cross set to host blood drive at Castle of Knights

Date: 7/5/2010

CHICOPEE -- The American Red Cross will be hosting its second-annual "Largest Blood Drive in Western Mass." on July 13.

The blood drive, which will run from noon to 7 p.m., is slated to take place at the Knights of Columbus' Castle of Knights at 1599 Memorial Drive in Chicopee.

All donors will receive a free one-day pass to Six Flags New England, a coupon for a free carton of Friendly's Ice Cream, a gift bag from TD Bank and a Red Cross T-shirt.

Six Flags characters will be on hand, as well as the 94.7FM WMAS Street Team.

Representatives from the Caitlin Raymond International Bone Marrow Registry will also be in attendance.

According to the Red Cross, Northeast Division blood services have to distribute approximately 3,000 units every day in order to meet the basic needs of area patients.

Those interested in donating blood must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in generally good health. Those who are 16 years of age can also donate with a Red Cross parental permission form.

A Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive identification is required to donate.