Giving Blood

I just got a postcard inviting me to donate blood and receive of a pair of Mets tickets in the process. I did this last year, and it went very smoothly.

The details:

Donation on Thursday, July 23, 2009
10:00am through 5:00pm
Citi Field First Base VIP Entrance
Flushing, NY

People with celiac disease are qualified to give blood, though of course they are still subject to standard requirements. For instance, you must be between 16 and 76 (and have written consent if you're 16 and a doctor's note if you're 75 or older). Your weight must be at least 110 lbs. You should bring your ID to the event. You should eat and drink before donating, and (sorry, hipsters) you must not have tattoos or piercings less than a year old.

You can call 1-800-688-0900 for eligibility requirements.

Bringing your own snack and drinks should help with the "refilling" part of the process.

BLOOD FOR BASEBALL!

Not As Creepy As It Sounds

Celiac disease does not disqualify people from donating blood. If you don't believe me, check out the FAQs at the University of Maryland Center for Celiac Research (UMCCR) and Nancy Lapid of About.com.

This Wednesday from 10am to 5pm you can give blood at the Diamond Club of Shea Stadium and get something in return: two tickets to a Mets game in August!

The New York Mets and the New York Blood Center will host their annual in-season Blood Drive on Wednesday, July 30, in the Diamond Club of Shea Stadium from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Each donor will receive a pair of tickets to a select Mets 2008 home game in August, the Mets final season at Shea.

As Nancy suggests, bring your own drink and snack—just to be on the safe side.