Give blood, donate books, and other activities

Save a life--give blood

When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20
Where: Saint Paul RiverCentre, Kellogg lobby (street level)

Give blood while you're at the Education Minnesota Professional Conference Thursday, Oct. 20, and help save lives. The American Red Cross donation center is conveniently located on the street level of Saint Paul RiverCentre.

You can sign up in advance at 1-800-GIVE LIFE (448-3543) or online at www.redcrossblood.org/make-donation, using sponsor code 4123. You can also stop in first thing in the morning Oct. 20 to make an appointment for later in the day.

The entire donation process takes about one hour and 15 minutes; the actual donation of a pint of whole blood unit takes eight to 10 minutes. However, the time varies slightly with each person depending on several factors including the donor’s health history and attendance at the blood drive.

Book donations for homeless kids

7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, exhibit hall, lower level

Donate new and gently used books for children and youth in the third annual book drive conducted by Education Minnesota’s Community Outreach Committee. Bring your donations to the area next to the Education Minnesota Retired booth in the 500 row of the exhibit hall.

Book sales and signings

Books by conference speakers will be for sale Thursday on the ballroom level of Saint Paul RiverCentre. Check at the book table for a schedule of author signings.

Flu shots

8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, exhibit hall, lower level

The Minnesota Visiting Nurse Agency will offer a flu shot clinic Thursday only. The seasonal flu vaccine includes H1N1 protection. MVNA accepts most major insurance plans with presentation of an insurance card. Otherwise, the cost is $27. FluMist, $32, is also available. No appointment is necessary.

SWIPESTAKES drawing

7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, rotunda , lower level
8-11:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 21, ballroom level, upper level

Bring your Education Minnesota membership card to the Professional Conference to enter an exciting prize drawing sponsored by Education Minnesota ESI. Just swipe your card at one of our card readers. Prizes include digital cameras, digital photo studios and more. If you are a new member and don’t have a card yet, we can help you enter the drawing via computer.

SWIPESTAKES helps track attendance to improve future events. Your personal information will not be given to any other organization.

Win prizes on Friday

Register by 11:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 21, at the ESI Member Benefits table on the ballroom level to win an iPod, digital camera and more, courtesy of Education Minnesota ESI. Winners will be posted at noon near the ESI table. You must be present to win. You can also swipe your membership card for another chance to enter the Swipestakes drawing. Visit the Friday Member Benefits exhibits for more prize-winning opportunities.

September 27, 2011