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Donate A Gift That Keeps On Giving

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By MEGAN HUSSEY, Tribune correspondent

Published: February 14, 2008

WESLEY CHAPEL - This Valentine's Day, Florida Blood Services is asking the public to show their love for others by sharing a literal gift from the heart.

Superior Bank is presenting a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at the Shoppes at New Tampa, 1932 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

"Superior Bank called and asked if they could host a blood drive for Valentine's Day," said Stephanie Gazi, community relations representative at Florida Blood Services.

Gazi worked with Superior Bank manager Cathy Van Eyk and teller Donna Conley to coordinate the event, which, according to Gazi, is a much-needed opportunity to build up community blood supplies.

"Because of the recent tornadoes and the sugar refinery explosion, we've been sending blood out," she said. "We greatly need donations."
Florida Blood Services provides blood donations to 38 hospitals and 80 ambulatory care centers in Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough and Manatee counties, including H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute and All Children's Hospital.

"I get phone calls every day from people saying things like, 'My wife is getting a blood transfusion today at Moffitt. Where can I go to donate blood?'

" she said. "It's heart-wrenching."

Donors who participate in the Superior Bank blood drive will receive a T-shirt, a wellness checkup to gauge blood pressure, pulse, temperature and iron count, a cholesterol screening, and a free movie rental coupon from Hollywood Video. And they will be entered into a weekly drawing to win "The Godfather" DVD set.

Those interested in donating should show identification upon registration.

For information, call 1-800-68-BLOOD or visit www.fbsblood.org.

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