CARRABASSETT VALLEY – A blood drive has been scheduled from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12, in the Avery Ballroom of Sugarloaf Inn. The American Red Cross will offer blood donors the opportunity to “Warm Your Heart, Warm Your Home.” All who donate blood can enter to win $200 toward the cost of heating their home.

“Giving blood is a heartwarming experience,” said Sue Parmer, CEO of the American Red Cross Blood Services, Northeast Division. “In addition to warming their hearts, we wanted to thank our blood donors by warming their homes.”

From December to March, all presenting blood donors across Maine will have the opportunity to enter to win the drawing. A winner will be drawn each month. Whether the fuel source is home heating oil, natural gas or electricity, the American Red Cross will contact the winner’s utility company and pay for an upcoming heating bill.

“With rising energy costs, the winter can be a difficult time for many to pay to heat their homes,” said Parmer. “The season is also a traditionally challenging time for blood collections, so this is a wonderful way to thank the silent heroes who help us save lives every day.”

Potential donors must be at least 17, weigh 110 pounds or more and be in good health. There is no upper age limit and most medications and medical conditions do not prohibit someone from donating blood through the Red Cross. For more information, call the Red Cross at 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or visit online at www.newenglandblood.org.

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