Lou Malnati's offering 'cheesy excuse' to donate blood Nov. 21-27

Chicagoans love their pizza and also giving back to the community with more than just their dough. Chicago pizza king Lou Malnati's will partner with LifeSource Nov. 21-27 by providing the first 50 people who donate at each of the 17 area Community Donor Centers a certificate for a complimentary personal size pan pizza.

To schedule an appointment or find a donor center near you, call (877) 543-3768, or go to www.LifeSource.org. Mention the code word "PIZZA" when you donate.

Recognizing that blood donations traditionally decline during the last week in November, officials with Chicago-based Lou Malnati's are hopeful their pizza offering will encourage Chicagoans to donate, and ensure that there is an adequate supply of blood at area hospitals.

LifeSource collects blood products at 17 community donor centers and numerous monthly mobile drives to supply many Chicago-area hospitals.

"Just like Lou Malnati's, LifeSource is a Chicago institution," said Hailey Justes, Lou Malnati's Grassroots Marketing Specialist. "This is our community and it is important for us to give back to people in need. As a primary supplier of blood to local hospitals, LifeSource enables us to help neighbors, family and friends going through difficult times. It's incredibly rewarding to partner with LifeSource."

"One blood donation can save up to three lives," said Maria Hebb of LifeSource. "Partnering with Lou Malnati's this November can help impact more than 2,500 patients. Because there is no replacement for blood, it's crucial that we all do our part to ensure that the local blood supply is kept at an adequate level."

"Everyone at some point in their life will be affected by blood donation and the need for blood," said Hebb, adding: "It may be a friend, a loved one, a family member, or even yourself; that's why it's just so important to come out and donate."

Donor criteria:

Blood donors must be at least 18 years old (16 or 17 with written parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health. Most medications are accepted. The donation process takes about an hour and is both safe and comfortable. Proper ID is required to donate blood. A LifeSource or military ID, driver's license or employee badge with a picture and full name are all approved forms of ID. A birth certificate along with a picture ID that includes the donor's full name also will be accepted.