Help Save Lives This Holiday Season by Donating Blood

Blood Donors Have a Chance to Win a Mercury Mariner Lease

DETROIT, Nov. 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This holiday season, give the gift of life by donating blood to the American Red Cross. You can save up to three lives each time you give blood, and through February 4, 2008, you'll have a chance to win a 2008 Mercury Mariner Premier from Metropolitan Lincoln Mercury and the American Red Cross Southeastern Michigan Blood Services Region.

The American Red Cross usually struggles to maintain a strong supply of all blood types between Thanksgiving and the New Year. Fewer people take the time to donate blood, and there is an increase in the demand for blood to treat trauma patients. The need also is great for patients undergoing surgeries, treatment for cancer and blood disorders.

That's why the American Red Cross and Metropolitan Lincoln Mercury of Garden City have joined forces to recruit blood donors. Everyone who comes to give blood at any participating American Red Cross Southeastern Michigan Blood Services Region blood drive between now and February 4, 2008, can register to win a free 20- month lease on a 2008 Mercury Mariner, a savvy SUV equipped with an MP3 audio jack, the new standard Advance Trac(R) with Roll Stability Control(R) . On Valentine's Day one lucky presenting blood donor will win the Mariner.

"Metropolitan Lincoln Mercury has stepped up to help the American Red Cross at a time of year when blood supplies are typically low. Metropolitan's donation of the Lincoln MKX last summer proved to be one of the most successful campaigns in Red Cross history, with more than 40,000 entries," said CEO Diane Ward. "Their donation of the lease on a 2008 Mercury Mariner Premier is a wonderful incentive for donors to give blood during the holiday season and beyond. We also appreciate the continued promotional support of Smooth Jazz V98.7 radio and WDIV-Local 4 TV who were our media partners during the summer promotion."

Every presenting donor who will be age 18 or older by February 4, 2008, is eligible to win the Mariner lease. At the end of the promotion, 25 finalists will be selected to participate in the final drawing for the Mercury Mariner on February 14, 2008, at Metropolitan Lincoln Mercury. Other prizes include $25, $50 and $200 gas cards. To schedule your appointment to give blood, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE, or visit http://www.givelife.org/.

http://www.semredcross.org/

Photo Opportunity: The prize Mercury Mariner Premier will be on display
at Detroit's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Call us today for location details and
interview opportunities.