The Best Gift You'll Ever Give or Get (and It's Free!)

Given the incredible trendiness of vampires these days (Team Edward!), this year's World Blood Donor Day on June 14th should draw some serious...blood. But if you're not aboard the "Twilight" or "True Blood" trains, here are some other compelling reasons to mark a big, red "GIVE BLOOD" note on your calendar for 6/14/11:

*According to the American Red Cross, every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood.

*Due to the severe winter weather that impacted most of our country this year, Red Cross blood collections in the month of January were the lowest they have seen in a decade. Just one month of lower donations can have ripple effects all year long.

*If one percent more Americans gave blood, all national blood shortages would disappear for the foreseeable future.

To that end, the folks at Nexcare have created colorful limited edition bandages to add a punch of style and meaning to your giving spirit. With their ongoing "GIVE" campaign, people who donote blood in June will have their prick covered with limited edition bandages in funky prints like zebra or plaid emblazoned with the word "give." Go onto Nexcare's Facebook place to pledge to donate and you'll get a sample bandage, too.

To find a place near you to give blood, go to GiveLife.org or call 1-800 GIVE LIFE.