The American Red Cross invites the community to attend the 17th Annual Pocono Raceway Blood Drive and Ride for the Red on Wednesday. Patients count on the generosity of blood donors especially during holiday weeks, including the Fourth of July, when the Red Cross typically sees about a 21% decline in blood donations.

The blood drive takes place at the Pocono Raceway Media Center located at 1234 Long Pond Road, Long Pond, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Donors are asked to enter through the Tunnel Entrance/Gate #1 on Long Pond Road.

Blood donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visiting RedCrossBlood.org and entering sponsor code POCONO. Blood donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

Those who come to donate blood will receive a $10 gift card via email, courtesy of Suburban Propane, and an American Red Cross recycled cotton tote bag, while supplies last. All presenting donors will also be entered into a prize drawing for the NASCAR Cup Series race on July 24, courtesy of Pocono Raceway.

Grand prize: four 300-level shaded grandstand tickets, four pit passes and four scanner rentals, $700 value.

Second prize: four 200-level grandstand tickets, $320 value.

Drive a lap around Pocono Raceway in your own vehicle during the Ride for the Red from noon to 7 p.m. Drivers can give a donation of their choice to benefit the American Red Cross Disaster Fund. Blood donors can participate in the Ride for the Red before donating blood. You do not need to donate blood to participate in the Ride for the Red.