Simultaneous Give n’ Take Blood Drives take place in Ballston Spa & Malta

Glens Falls, New York (January 20, 2010): “Have a Heart, Give Life” at one of two Saratoga County blood drives again this year as Ballston Spa National Bank partners once again with the American Red Cross Adirondack Saratoga Chapter to celebrate the gift of life.  Both blood drives are scheduled for Monday, February 8, 2010 and will be held from Noon-6pm.  The two (2) sites for this year’s drives will be located at the Ballston Spa Elks Lodge on Hamilton Street in Ballston Spa and at the Malta Community Center located at 1 Bayberry Drive in Malta.

Unlike our past “Give ‘n Take” Blood Drives, where we featured two (2) honorary members (a blood recipient and donor), this year BSNB would like to honor all BSNB employees who are volunteering and donating as well as recipients who will benefit from the drive.   Each presenting donor will be given a water bottle from BSNB as a small token of appreciation for giving the gift of life.

In addition, the American Red Cross, BSNB and Ballston Spa High School are developing a youth movement by recruiting a new generation of donors.  Members of the American Red Cross will be at the Ballston Spa High School on Wednesday, February 3, 2009 and Friday, February 5, 2009 between the hours of 10:40 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. to sign up students who may be interested in donating at the “Have a Heart, Give Life” Blood Drive.  Individuals who are at least 17 years of age (16 years of age with parental permission), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in general good health may be eligible to donate blood. Donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.  Identification is required at the time of donation

“BSNB is a dedicated supporter of the American Red Cross Adirondack Saratoga Chapter.  Since the inception of the Give ‘n Take Campaign six (6) years ago, BSNB has committed to saving more lives each and every year” said Eileen Reardon, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Adirondack Saratoga Chapter.  “This will be the third year in a row for the simultaneous drives in Saratoga County.  We are very proud to work with BSNB and we look forward to continuing our wonderful corporate – non-profit relationship.”

“We’ve witnessed firsthand the valuable service and support that the Red Cross provides to the people in our communities and are proud to lend our support to the “Have a Heart, Give Life Blood Drive” said Christopher R. Dowd, President and CEO of Ballston Spa National Bank.  “In addition to those who give blood, BSNB employees are working extended hours contacting previous donors and reaching out to community members to make this drive a success. As the board chair of Adirondack Saratoga Chapter of the Red Cross, I ask for your support.” 

Some facts about blood donation:

•   Just one pint of blood can help save as many as three lives.

•   Approximately every two seconds, someone in America needs blood.

•   About 34,000 donations are needed every day to help save the lives of cancer patients, accident victims, and children with blood disorders in the United States.

•   Approximately one out of three people will need blood in their lifetime.

•   Type O negative blood can help anyone during an emergency when there is no time to test a patient’s blood type.

•   You can make a whole blood donation every 56 days.

If you are interested in donating blood at the “Have a Heart, Give Life” Blood Drive sponsored by Ballston Spa National Bank, please contact Donna Vetter at the American Red Cross Adirondack Saratoga Chapter Office by calling 792-6545 or via e-mail at vetterdo@usa.redcross.org. .

For more information, please visit our website redcrossadirondacksaratoga.org.  Check us out on Facebook under the name Red Cross Adirondack Saratoga and also on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/arcadirondacksaratogachapter.

About Ballston Spa National Bank

BSNB’s continuous history of friendly community banking in the Saratoga region spans five generations. With just the right combination of personal service and high tech convenience, BSNB offers a wide range of products and services to individuals, families, municipalities and businesses. Offices are in Ballston Spa, Milton, Galway, Stillwater, Burnt Hills, Clifton Park, Malta, Greenfield Center and Wilton. Ballston Spa National Bank’s web site can be found at http://www.bsnb.com.

About the American Red Cross Adirondack Saratoga Chapter

The American Red Cross Adirondack Saratoga Chapter is dedicated to saving lives and helping people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.  Led by a volunteer Board of Directors with 250 other volunteers and 10 paid employees, the local Red Cross is supported by community donations and provides services to Warren, Washington, Saratoga, Hamilton and southern Essex Counties.  Last year the Red Cross ran 650 aquatic courses and 1048 first aid and CPR courses, collected over 19,000 units of whole blood, helped deliver 303 emergency messages for members of our armed forces, and assisted more than 1,250 neighbors who were affected by local disasters.