VALPARAISO | The Valparaiso Police Department will host a blood drive in honor of our troops from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Valparaiso Police Station, 355 S. Washington St

Valparaiso Police Department chaplains will serve pancakes and sausage to donors. In addition, all presenting donors will be entered into a regional drawing to win a trip of their choice worth $2,000.

Blood donated through the American Red Cross supports home front hospitals, and in turn the families of service members who need blood products. The Red Cross also supports members of the U.S. Armed Forces with communications services during crises. Twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year, the Red Cross sends emergency communications to deployed services members on behalf of their family.

Blood donations often drop off this time of year because people are busy preparing for the holidays, shopping and visiting with friends and family. The need for blood never takes a holiday, though. Every two seconds, someone in America needs blood. Join the Valparaiso Police Department in helping to save lives and support our troops.

Give blood or platelets from Dec. 1, 2008 to Jan. 31, 2009 and enter to win a trip of your choice worth $2,000.

If you are at least 17 years of age (in Indiana you may give blood at age 16 with written, parental consent), weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and are in good, general health, you may be eligible to donate blood. All donors need to present positive identification. For more information or to schedule your blood donation appointment, call (219) 462-2135 or 1(800) GIVE-LIFE

*In Indiana, you may give blood at 16 years of age with written, parental consent.

--For The Times