PPL Susquehanna nuclear plant employees contributed nearly a quarter of the blood supply donated to the Berwick chapter of the American Red Cross in 2003.

"PPL Susquehanna employees donated 426 pints of blood, totaling 22 percent of our chapter's donations last year. Their generosity and community-mindedness help our organization save lives and provide a better quality of life for our neighbors," said Katherine Nihoff, executive director for the Berwick Red Cross. "Since each unit of blood can potentially save three lives, PPL employees touch the lives of more than 1,000 people every year."

According to the Red Cross, 32,000 Americans must donate blood each day to maintain the nation's blood supply for patients being treated for accidents, routine surgeries and serious diseases. Although giving blood is easy, safe and usually takes less than one hour, only 5 percent of eligible Americans donate blood each year.

"We are pleased to be able to schedule blood drives at the Susquehanna plant, so that our employees can conveniently contribute to this essential mission of the American Red Cross," said Herb Woodeshick, special assistant to the president for PPL Susquehanna. "PPL people not only donate blood, many also contribute to area United Ways that support the American Red Cross with financial donations."

Shortly before the winter holidays, the regional Red Cross had to import blood supplies from other Red Cross blood banks to meet the region's needs.

Each year, PPL sponsors five blood drives at the plant, open to both PPL employees and community members. Community members who wish to attend a blood drive at the Susquehanna plant can call Alayne Laubach at 570-542-3700.

"With January being National Blood Donor Month, we ask community members to pledge to give others a gift this year — a gift that cannot be reproduced," said Nihoff. For a list of upcoming blood drives, contact a local Red Cross chapter.

The Susquehanna power plant, located in Luzerne County about seven miles north of Berwick, is owned jointly by PPL Susquehanna LLC and Allegheny Electric Cooperative Inc. and is operated by PPL Susquehanna.

PPL Susquehanna is one of PPL Corporation's generating facilities. Headquartered in Allentown, Pa., PPL Corporation controls about 11,500 megawatts of generating capacity in the United States, sells energy in key U.S. markets and delivers electricity to customers in Pennsylvania, the United Kingdom and Latin America.