Thursday, July 19, 2007 
L to R: Winner of KTP Kayak Package, Kyra Schlager; Jon Morrill, VP Specialty Sports; Jay Lantz, Camping, Paddlesports and Winter Sports Manager.
July 19, 2007 (Portland, Maine) - Kittery Trading Post is teaming up with the American Red Cross to help boost summer blood collections by donating kayaks! On July 18, 2007 Kittery Trading Post presented a kayak package, including a Featherlite kayak, Stoglquist PDF, and Cannon Serenity Paddle, to blood donor winner Kyra Schlager of Weld, Maine. The kayak package was presented to blood donors in southern Maine during Fourth of July week as an incentive to help boost blood collections. The kayak promotion was a big hit with Red Cross blood donors and there was an increase in blood collections. As a result the American Red Cross was able to meet hospital orders and avoid a holiday blood shortage. Because the kayak package was so effective in helping boost blood collections during Fourth of July week, Kittery Trading Post and the American Red Cross will be offering southern Maine blood donors another chance at winning a kayak package during the first week of August. Eligible blood donors are encouraged to call 1-800-GIVE LIFE to make an appointment for a blood drive in or near their community.
"The Red Cross is grateful to Kittery Trading Post for donating the kayaks during a time in which blood inventory levels are low" said Ellen Russell, Manager of Donor Recruitment. "A plentiful blood supply is a community-wide responsibility and we thank Kittery Trading Post for helping to ensure blood will be available when it is needed."
The summer months are a challenging time to collect blood as many people are away and schools are not in session. Despite this, the need for blood remains constant as there are patients among us who need blood each and every day. The only source of blood is a healthy blood donor. The difference a blood donor can make in the life of a patient is something that simply cannot be overstated.
Blood can be used for patients undergoing many surgical procedures, organ transplants, trauma and chemotherapy. For some patients, such as the victim of an automobile accident, the need for blood is sudden. For others, ongoing transfusions are needed to sustain lifesaving medical treatment.
To donate blood through the American Red Cross, individuals must be at least 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in general good health. In the state of Maine, persons who are 16 years of age are eligible to donate blood with parental consent. For additional information regarding donor eligibility, please call 1-800-GIVE LIFE or visit www.newenglandblood.org.
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