Wawa Joins in High-School Blood Drive

PHILADELPHIA -- Wawa Inc. and the American Red Cross will team up to help save lives during the 8th Annual All High School event to be held on Thursday, Oct. 20 at the American Red Cross Musser Donor Center in Philadelphia. This year, Wawa’s goal is to collect over 1,500 pints of blood.

Harry McHugh, senior vice president of operations at the 543-store convenience chain, said, "One of Wawa's founding principles is to be a good neighbor. It's what guides us to partner with the American Red Cross and their blood-drive efforts. Wawa has always been a leader in the convenience store industry and we want to encourage high-school students to take on a leadership role in their community by organizing blood drives. Together, we can save lives."

Students at 60 high schools will lead efforts to collect more than 10 percent of all blood donations made locally this year. More than 450 Pennsylvania and New Jersey high-school students who have recruited blood donors and organized blood drives at their schools will be recognized for saving tens of thousands of lives in the past year.

"The day will bring fun, entertainment and education to the students," said John Hagins, senior director of donor services.

"The program will include motivational messaging about blood and blood donation, audience participation through a unique 'dating game' and youth oriented patient stories as well as other engaging content," continued Hagins.

Wawa has hosted blood drives at its corporate offices for almost four decades. For the past three years, blood drives have been held at the regional offices, training centers and stores throughout the company's five-state operating area. In 2004, Wawa's blood drives resulted in more than 2,000 donations, making Wawa an important contributor to annual blood drive efforts.

To make an immediate appointment for an American Red Cross blood drive this week, call (800) 448-3543 or visit www.pleasegiveblood.org to find a listing of community blood drives.
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