The American Red Cross and Pocono Raceway are asking you to remember those heroes and victims who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, by helping to save lives through a generous blood donation.

The Ride for Red Blood Drive event will be from 1-7 p.m. Thursday at the Pocono International Raceway, 1234 Long Pond Road, Long PondEveryone who attends the event may take a ride around the Pocono Racetrack with their own vehicle for a $10 donation per lap. All donations benefit the American Red Cross Disaster Fund. Blood donors can participate in the "Ride for the Red" event before donating blood. You do not need to donate blood to participate in the "Ride for the Red."Pocono Raceway is giving all presenting donors the chance to win a fantasy race package. The winner will receive four Terrace Club seats and will meet all the NASCAR drivers on stage during the opening ceremony of the 2015 August race at Pocono.All presenting donors will receive a Red Cross "Life Saver" T-shirt. Walk-in donors are encouraged to attend. To make an appointment to donate blood, call 800-RED CROSS or visit

www.redcrossblood.org and enter the code POCONO.Patients in area hospitals depend on donors every day to give them hope by rolling up their sleeve.Right now, blood products are being distributed to hospitals as quickly as donations are coming in.At least 21,000 times a day, someone receives blood from Red Cross donors.Like the emergency room of a hospital, the Red Cross needs to be prepared to respond to patient emergencies 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. You never know when a friend, family member, co-worker or even you will need blood. Each pint donated could help save up to three lives.