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Becoming a World Champion Donor

By WEEK Producer
July 10, 2012 Updated Jul 10, 2012 at 10:13 PM CDT

EAST PEORIA, Ill. -- Tuesday, the American Red Cross teamed with the World Series champions, the St. Louis Cardinals, to host the St. Louis Cardinals' Fan Blood Drive in East Peoria.

Blood Donors each received a "world champion donor" t-shirt with the Cardinals' logo.

Organizers say the need for blood is extremely high. In fact, the red cross just issued an emergency appeal for donations last month.

"Donations were down more than 10% across the country in June, with 50,000 fewer donations than anticipated. Which is why we launched an emergency appeal a couple of weeks ago. We just need all eligible donors to come out, make an appointment to give blood, and donate," says Ben Corey, Communications Program Manager.

If you missed Tuesday's blood drive you can still donate by visiting www.redcrossblood.org to schedule an appointment.

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