The Gift of Life Marathon kicks off its annual blood drive at the Spartan Athletic Complex, located on the Castleton University campus, on Dec. 11 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
This will be the fourth consecutive year that Castleton has hosted the first day of the drive. The university became a presenting sponsor of the Gift of Life Marathon in 2013 and began hosting the record-breaking event the following year, when organizers decided to extend it over 12 days.
This year, the drive spans four days, making stops at Rutland Regional Medical Center on Dec. 19 and College of St. Joseph on Dec. 20 and 21.
Organizers have issued a challenge to regional businesses and organizations again this year to form a team to see who can donate the most blood. The winning team will win a party for up to 100 people with maple creemees from Vermont Truffle Company.
Appointments can be made on the Red Cross Website or the Blood Donor App on your phone by:
You can also call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment. While appointments are encouraged, walk-ins are also welcome.
All presenting donors at this year’s marathon will receive a Red Cross t-shirt and gift bag provided by Rutland Regional Medical Center filled with items from the following businesses and organizations: Killington Resort, Downtown Partnership, GE Aviation, Green Mountain Power, Heritage Family Credit Union, Hop’n Moose, Otter Creek Fun Center, College of St. Joseph, OMYA, PEGTV, RAVNAH, Triller Print Services, VELCO, Vermont Teddy Bear, and WCAX.
Donors will also be entered to win prizes from Carpenter & Costin, Casella Waste Management, Hildene: The Lincoln Family Home, Best Western, Alderman’s, Regal Theater, The Holiday Inn, VIBE Portrait Art, Steve Costello, and Terry Jaye.