Beginning in January 2006, we are launching an exciting new program for our donors who supply the blood needs for our community. We are pleased to announce that Ridge Art Association has teamed with Blood Banks of Mid-Florida to provide blood donors an opportunity to collect 6 limited edition, specially designed T-shirts. Each shirt will feature an original piece of art by 6 well-known, award-winning local artists. Each piece of art will be professionally reproduced on T-shirts that can only be obtained from Blood Banks of Mid-Florida by donating a unit of blood.

We appreciate our loyal donors for their support and want to encourage others to give the gift of life. We also want to thank the local artists who will be contributing to this project. They are an incredibly caring and talented group of individuals who are willing to share their art with our donors to promote blood donations in Polk County.

Each of these six T-shirts will only be available for a limited time during 2006. A new piece of art will be reproduced on a T-shirt every two months during the year. Collect all six shirts; these will become collector's items. The first shirt design in the series will be available in January and February. The title of the piece is "Our Children" by Freddie Combs.

We expect our community's need for blood will continue to increase, not just due to increased population growth but also due to advances in medical technology and more advanced procedures performed in our local hospitals.

Giving blood takes very little time. Each person who attempts to donate receives a mini -physical exam, consisting of a blood pressure check, anemia screen, pulse, temperature, and a cholesterol screening test. The actual donation process takes about 8 minutes. This small investment of time can mean a lifetime for someone who needs a blood transfusion. Almost everyone over the age of 17 can donate blood. There are very few restrictions.

Blood Banks of Mid-Florida with locations in Winter Haven and Lake Wales is your community blood bank serving eastern Polk County. For more information on giving the gift of life or to set up a mobile drive at your location, please call (863) 297-1840 or e-mail Donna.petty@mfms.com or Robbie.taylor@mfms.com.

For more information about the artwork and local artists contributing to this project contact Ridge Art Association located in the Chain O' Lakes Complex at 210 Cypress Gardens Boulevard, Winter Haven. (863) 291-5661 Gallery Hours: Monday through Friday, 12:30-4:00 p.m.