Friday, November 5, 2010

Community Blood Center of the Carolinas Kicks off Sixth Annual Puppies for Patients Program

The Community Blood Center of the Carolinas (CBCC) today launched its
Sixth Annual Puppies for Patients Program that will run through
December 31, 2010.

Donors who give blood in the months of November and December will be
able to sign a tag that will then be attached to a stuffed puppy and
delivered to children in area hospitals this holiday season. One local
children's hospital alone requires nearly 300 red blood cells and more
than 200 platelets each month. CBCC is asking anyone in generally good
health, over the age of 16 and who weighs at least 120 pounds to
donate blood this holiday season and help save the lives of local
patients, many of them children.

"We have touched the lives of more than 6,000 children with stuffed
animal puppies over the past five years and are excited about
continuing this very special tradition," said Martin Grable, president
and CEO of Community Blood Center of the Carolinas. "Not only is this
about our community coming together to save local lives, but being
able to bring smiles and comfort to children in our local hospitals
during the holidays."

For businesses, churches and organizations interested in hosting a
blood drive in November and December, there is still time to sign up
with CBCC. Call 704-972-4700 for more details on sponsoring a blood
drive or donating blood.

About Community Blood Center of the Carolinas
The Community Blood Center of the Carolinas is an independent, locally-
managed, non-profit community blood center providing more than 90
percent of the blood supply to the 16 area hospitals that serve 15
North Carolina and three South Carolina counties. The Center's mission
is to be the steward of a community resource – life-saving blood. CBCC
is strictly a blood center, completely focused on gathering red blood
cells, platelets and plasma from volunteer donors to save local lives.
Every drop of blood collected stays here to help people in our
community. Our vision is to help build and strengthen the bonds of
community.

The Community Blood Center of the Carolinas is a member of America's
Blood Centers, a group of 76 independent blood centers that supplies
50 percent of the country's blood. It subscribes to a community-based
banking philosophy. That means community donors know that the blood
they give stays in our community first – helping family members,
friends and neighbors. Excess supply is shared with other communities
when needed. For more information on blood drives near you, visit www.cbcc.usor
call 704-972-4700. You may also donate blood at CBCC, located at
4447 South Boulevard in Charlotte, 1212 Spruce Street in Belmont or at
600 Hospital Drive in Monroe.