Scoop

National Service Day is coming up on Monday January 19th, which is both Martin Luther King Day and, of course, the day before Barack Obama's historic inauguration. We thought this was perfect timing to announce Manic Mommy's virtual blood drive.

January is National Blood Donor month and it's also the month where blood banks find themselves in desperate need of that life-saving gift. What's stopping you from popping into your local blood bank and donating a pint?

Last January, blogger Manic Mommy (who also happens to be a Betty) took her three kids and three of their friends with her while she donated blood. Since it was such a cinch (even with six kids in tow), she wanted to see if she could get others to donate. She spearheaded what she believes to be the first ever virtual blood drive. She convinced 35 blog readers (some of whom had never donated blood in their lives) to donate blood. In all, approximately 100 lives were saved through their combined efforts, and gift cards and various other gifts were awarded to winners. An anonymous blogger even donated $100, and people whom had never donated blood now donate regularly every eight weeks.

This year, Manic Mommy's Virtual Blog for Blood Drive runs through February 28. And it's bigger and better, with an EXCITING grand prize:

One random winner and guests (yes, GUESTS!) will receive LUXURY accommodations for six days, five nights at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort*, which just happens to be in Destin, Florida, nominated by Southern Living magazine as Readers' Choice #1 Best Beach Destination!

To enter, simply go to your local blood bank and donate a pint before February 28, 2009. Have your photo taken IN THE CHAIR while you are donating blood and send your photo to manicmommy@comcast.net. Include your name, city, state and e-mail address, and what inspired you to donate. Photos/inspirational stories will be posted every Sunday on Manic Mommy's blog during the contest.

To find your nearest blood center, call the American Red Cross at 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.

For more information on the contest, and to see those brave souls who've already saved lives and snacked on Lorna Doone cookies and apple juice, head on over to Manic Mommy's blog at manicmommy.blogspot.com.

It is said that one pint of blood saves three lives or five babies, but a wise woman said it best ... a pint of blood saves more than that ... a pint saves WHOLE FAMILIES. Why not let your pint be THAT pint, and get entered to win a trip to Florida for your WHOLE FAMILY as well!

*Accomodations include two-bedroom, full kitchen and living room; black-out dates and restrictions apply; does not include travel.