December 1, 2006

Puppy Pals bring smiles

During the holiday season, donors at the MGH Blood Donor Center will not only have a chance to give the lifesaving gift of blood, but also to bring a smile to a young patient's face. Through the center's annual Puppy Pals program, all those who give blood Nov. 24 through Dec. 22 will have the opportunity to sign and personalize gift tags for stuffed puppies and Beanie Babies, which then will be delivered to patients at the MassGeneral Hospital for Children. At right, a young patient enjoys last year's Puppy Pals delivery.

The Puppy Pals program is meant to encourage donors to give blood during the holiday season, when blood supplies tend to fall below safe levels. "It is great to be able to make the connection between the patient and donor during this holiday season," says Kate Decoste of the Blood Donor Center.

For more information about donating blood or platelets, contact the Blood Donor Center at (617) 726-8177 or visit www2.massgeneral.org/blooddonor.