Published: January 07, 2009 09:15 am      

Elvis-inspired blood drive kicks off today

Donors receive free Elvis T-shirts, chance to win trips to Memphis and Las Vegas

Special to the Times-Tribune

Donate blood this evening at Grace on the Hill United Methodist Church in Corbin — or in Barbourville or Williamsburg this week — and the Kentucky Blood Center will treat you like “The King.” The annual “Give Like the King” blood drive that celebrates Elvis Presley’s birthday includes free Elvis T-shirts and a chance to win trips to Memphis or Las Vegas.

 Everyone who donates blood from Jan. 3-10 will be registered to win either a trip to Memphis, including airfare for two from Blue Grass Airport and a night at the Heartbreak Hotel, or airfare for two from Blue Grass Airport to Las Vegas and two nights at the MGM Grand.

The Corbin blood drive will be from 3:30-7:30 p.m. today (Wednesday) at Grace on the Hill United Methodist Church inside the bloodmobile in the parking lot.

A blood drive in Barbourville will be held Thursday from 3-7 p.m. downtown at 312 North Main Street.

The mobile blood drive van will be in Williamsburg from 2-7 p.m. Friday at 85 Stringtown Road for the Dannie Vanover Blood Drive.

 The T-shirt being given away (while supplies last) is black and features a picture of Elvis donating blood early in his career. Elvis Presley Enterprises and Graceland have allowed the blood center the use of the photo in order to promote blood donations.

 In addition, Graceland has provided the night’s stay at the Heartbreak Hotel, two Platinum passes to tour Graceland as well as two passes for the Stax Museum, Memphis Rock N’ Soul Museum and Sun Studios.

 Meanwhile, another prize winner might be chosen to win the two night’s stay at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Blue Grass Airport has donated the flights to promote blood donation.

All Kentucky Blood Center locations and blood drives are participating in the event. Donors can make an appointment to give blood by visiting kybloodcenter.org or calling 800-775-2522. Individuals can also register to win online. The Kentucky Blood Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring a safe, adequate blood supply for patients at nearly 70 Kentucky hospitals and clinics in more than 60 counties.

Anyone in good health, at least 17 years old, and at least 110 pounds may donate blood every 56 days, or every two months. 16-year-olds can donate with signed parental consent. There is no upper age limit. The Kentucky Blood Center has donors in their 80s.

Each year, 4.5 million American lives are saved by blood transfusions.