11th ANNUAL GREAT PUMPKIN ANNUAL BLOOD DRIVE

This will be held Friday October 8, and Saturday October 9, 2010 (9am - 4pm each day)

810 DONORS HELP MAKE THE 10th ANNUAL GREAT PUMPKIN BLOOD DRIVE ANOTHER GREAT SUCCESS

CENTRAL SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY, CA – The Valley’s blood supply can get a little “scary” around the holidays, and once again the Pumpkin King Pumpkin Patch, and our generous donors, helped save the day by rolling up their sleeves and donating blood at the 10th Annual Great Pumpkin Blood Drive. More than 800 new and returning donors took part in the 2-day drive Friday, October 9 and Saturday, October 10 at the Pumpkin King Pumpkin Patch and various Central California Blood Center locations. All donors, at all locations, during the two days, received a commemorative T-shirt; a coupon for a free medium pumpkin from the Pumpkin King Pumpkin Patch, a pony ride and bounce house; and had the chance to win free costumes and candy!

Blood donors, who gave at the Pumpkin Patch itself, were encouraged to bring the whole family and enjoy the festivities, which included special guests, mascots and tasty treats. Plus, KISS Country’s Greg Lane broadcast from this very special blood drive location. “It’s a great time to bring the community and families together in the spirit of the season and in the spirit of saving lives,” said Wayne Martin, owner and “Pumpkin King” of the Pumpkin Patch, who annually brings in thousands of pumpkins to the Valley. “We are already planning for the 11th Annual Great Pumpkin Blood Drive and are encouraging folks to mark their calendar for next year.”

Blood donation takes less than one hour to complete. Donors must be in good general health, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be at least 17 years old (16 years old with written parental consent). Senior citizens are encouraged to donate, as there is no upper age limit. Donors should eat a good meal and drink plenty of water within 4 hours prior to their donation. Donors can give blood every eight weeks. Photo ID and Social Security Number are required at donor registration.

The Central California Blood Center is the sole provider of blood and blood products for the 31 hospitals in Fresno, Tulare, Madera, Kings and Mariposa Counties and must collect between 5,000 to 6,000 pints of blood a month to meet the needs of our Valley community.