Red Cross getting help in blood drive

CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 30 (UPI) -- The American Red Cross is getting help from the NASCAR Foundation during its annual blood drive in September.

The country's the largest single supplier of blood and blood products receives blood donations from about 4 million people each year.

It hopes to expand the NASCAR Foundation Blood Drive to help maintain safe blood supply levels and ease blood shortages that often occur during summer and around holidays.

"Last year the blood drive, through this partnership, collected 4,261 pints of blood that was vital to people in need," said Mike Helton, NASCAR president and NASCAR Foundation board member.

Veteran driver Greg Biffle is scheduled to appear in an advertising campaign to promote the drive.

"The drive provides fans with the opportunity to become heroes by giving the gift of life through blood donations," Biffle said.