Red Cross Issues Donation Challenge to UGA, Georgia Tech Fans

Students and fans of Georgia Tech and the University of Georgia have taken their battle off the gridiron to help save lives through the inaugural “Rivals on the Field – Partners in the Community” blood drive challenge. 

From Nov. 14-17, the archrivals will partner with the American Red Cross to see which university’s supporters can bring in the most blood donations. Roswell fans of both teams can visit the nearest blood donation center in Alpharetta.

The blood drive challenge, which is sponsored by BP, am/pm and Coke Zero, is held just before the schools face off on the football field. The initiative aims to generate hundreds of blood donations for patients throughout the community.

“Georgia and Georgia Tech fans are very loyal when it comes to supporting their teams,” says Mario Sedlock, director of donor services, American Red Cross, Southern Blood Services Region. “With the Thanksgiving holidays approaching, it is our hope that fans will also support our lifesaving mission to provide blood for area hospital patients.”

Whether fans bleed red and black or old gold and white, they can show their colors by donating blood at the following locations:

Blood Donation Centers, Nov. 14 - Nov. 17*:

Alpharetta  |  5000 Old Alabama Rd, Suite 110, Alpharetta, GA 30022

Athens  |  Clarke Crossing Shopping Center, 3525-3527 Atlanta Hwy, Athens, GA 30606

Camp Creek  |  3645 Marketplace Blvd, Suite 180, East Point, GA 30344

Cobb  |  East Lake Shopping Center, Marietta, GA 30062

Duluth  |  3090 Premiere Pkwy, Suite 500, Duluth, GA 30097

Gainesville  |  311 Jesse Jewell Pkwy SW, Suite 102, Gainesville, GA 30503

Midtown  |  1955 Monroe Drive, Atlanta , GA 30324

Sandy Springs  |  1155 Hammond Drive, Bldg. A, Atlanta, GA 30328

South Metro  |  675 Southcrest Parkway, Ste 120, Stockbridge, GA 30281

* Please visit redcrossblood.org for blood donation center hours of operation.

In addition to the chance to support their favorite team, those who present to donate during the blood drive challenge will also get a commemorative t-shirt.  The Red Cross challenge is sponsored by BP, am/pm and Coke Zero. Results of this year’s blood drive challenge will be announced at the stadium during the Nov. 26 game in Atlanta, Ga.

“The real winners of this Blood Drive Challenge will be the patients who receive lifesaving blood transfusions thanks to the volunteer donations of Georgia and Georgia Tech fans,” says Sedlock.

Most healthy people age 17 and older, or 16 with parental consent, who weigh at least 110 pounds are eligible to donate blood and platelets. Donors who are 18 and younger must also meet specific height and weight requirements. The process is safe and takes about an hour. To schedule an appointment visit American Red Cross online or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).