Giving Back

Be Like Elvis, Donate Blood: American Red Cross Looking for Donors

Be automatically entered to win a trip to Elvis Presley's Graceland in Memphis

Elvis Presley’s Graceland (Photo: iStock.com/GDMatt66)

ALEXANDRIA, VA –  Elvis Presley was known for his generosity. He donated his time and money to many causes, especially those that helped the sick. So he was no stranger to donating blood. In 1959, while serving in the U.S. Army, Presley gave at the Wartturm Barracks in Friedberg, Germany.

Now the American Red Cross is asking people to follow in his footsteps. Those who donate will be automatically entered to win a trip to visit his home, Graceland, in Memphis, TN. The winner gets round-trip airfare, a three-night stay at The Guest House, Elvis Entourage VIP tour (courtesy of Graceland), a custom-wrapped Gibson Epiphone guitar, and more. Additionally, donors who give between June 1 and 30 will receive a $5 e-gift card to a merchant of their choosing.

The American Red Cross experienced a significant blood shortage during the pandemic. This latest request for donors is in honor of the Baz Luhrmann-directed biopic, “ELVIS,” due in theaters June 24. It stars Austin Butler as Presley and Tom Hanks as his manager, Col. Tom Parker. The film tells the incredible story of the first rock star, from growing up in Tupelo, MS to headlining in Las Vegas.

Donating blood is easy. Just download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment.

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license, or two other forms of identification, are required at check-in. Donors should: be 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and have general good health.

Red Cross follows a high standard of safety and infection control. The Red Cross will continue to socially distance wherever possible at blood drives, donation centers and facilities.

While donors are no longer required to wear a face mask, individuals may choose to continue to wear a mask for any reason. The Red Cross will also adhere to more stringent face mask requirements per state and/or local guidance.

Portside in Old Town Summer Festival Coming To Alexandria June 17 and 18

Kevin Dauray

Kevin is Publisher's Assistant with The Zebra Press. He has been working for Alexandria's "Good News" newspaper since 2019. A graduate of George Mason University, he earned a bachelor's in English with a concentration in Creative Writing. He also studied at the Columbia School of Broadcasting and holds a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marymount University. He is an alumnus of T.C. Williams High School. Go Titans!

Related Articles

Back to top button