Merrillville and Valparaiso stores compete in the 5th annual challenge 
Battle lines are strategically drawn as the Merrillville and Valparaiso Best Buy stores roll up their sleeves in preparation for the annual Battle for Blood.
For the fifth year, Best Buy stores in Merrillville and Valparaiso compete to see who can collect the most blood donations. The Best Buy in Merrillville will host a blood drive on Saturday, July 17, from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m., located at 2490 E. 79th St. in Merrillville. Their opponent, the Valparaiso Best Buy, held a blood drive on June 19, which resulted in the collection of 33 pints of blood.
Come to donate during this battle, and receive an American Red Cross stadium seat cushion, plus help the Merrillville Best Buy store in the 2010 battle. Valparaiso defeated Merrillville in 2009.
The Battle for Blood is held each year to help the Red Cross maintain blood levels during the summer. Blood must be on the shelf, ready and available for individual emergencies every day as well as in times of large-scale disasters. This is why the key to community preparedness is regular blood donation.
To help increase the blood supply, and be a part of the Best Buy Battle for Blood, call 947-9447, ext. 2180 and schedule a blood donation appointment.
How to Donate Blood
To schedule an appointment to donate please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org for more information. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.
About the American Red Cross
The Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region serves northern and central Indiana and northwestern Ohio, and needs to collect about 500 units of blood a day to meet patient need in more than 60 hospitals. In addition to providing blood to our community, the American Red Cross also provides relief to victims of disaster, trains millions in lifesaving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families, and assists victims of international disasters or conflicts.