Drive to collect blood coincides with Memorial Day

The unofficial start of summer begins with Memorial Day weekend, and the American Red Cross will spend the holiday weekend encouraging people to donate blood.

Donors who participate in the local drive will receive commemorative T-shirts, coupons to area barbecue restaurants and be eligible for a new barbecue grill to be awarded in a drawing.

Donors can come to the Cape Girardeau Red Cross Center from noon to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, or from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday through Sunday and from noon to 6:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday to donate blood.

Donations usually take about an hour.

According to the American Red Cross, only 6 percent of the eligible population donates blood but 97 percent of Americans will need blood sometime before age 75.

To schedule a donation appointment, call (800) GIVE-LIFE.