Help Your Football Team Win Annual Blood Battles

CANTON, Ohio (Oct. 19, 2009) — Do something good for the community and help your hometown team win a battle against its high school rival at the Blood Battle held by Aultman Blood Center. All donors are welcome to join a team.

The Blood Battles will be held the week of the big football games:

- Dover High School versus New Philadelphia High School
- Massillon High School versus McKinley High School

The school/community donating the most blood will be announced during half time at each game by WJER in Tuscarawas County and Q92 in Stark County.

How to Donate
Massillon Tiger fans can donate at Massillon High School auxiliary gym on Oct. 27, from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

McKinley Bulldog fans should go to McKinley High School lobby on Oct. 26, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Tuscarawas County donors should go to the Tuscarawas County YMCA, on Oct. 28, noon-7 p.m. WJER radio personalities will be present.

All donors will receive gifts: McDonald’s (in Stark County), Domino's (in Tuscarawas County) and the appropriate T-shirt (“Beat Massillon” or “Beat McKinley” and “Beat Dover” or “Beat Phila”) to wear to the football game.

Those not able to attend the school drives, can donate to the blood battle during Oct. 26-30, at donor rooms (note: food will not be served):

in Aultman Hospital (7:30 a.m.-7 p.m.)
in Aultman West (8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.)
in Union Hospital (9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Monday-Thursday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Friday)

“In addition to supporting our schools and their football programs, this is a very important battle for mankind,” said Kelly Hettinger, Aultman Blood Center recruitment coordinator. “Participants initially donate to win the Blood Battle, but then learn how easy and beneficial for the community it is and become a year-round donor.”

Donors must be between 17-75 years old, weigh at lease 110 pounds and feel healthy and well.

The Aultman Blood Center is a not-for-profit, FDA-registered blood program dedicated to ensuring there is a reliable, quality, local blood supply for the hospital's geographic area. All blood donations stay in the area except in times of shortage. To maintain an adequate blood supply, the Aultman Blood Center relies on the support of local individuals, organizations and businesses. Learn more about the Blood Center here.

For more information, call the Aultman Blood Center at 330-363-5008.