76ers team-up with PSU and Red Cross for Blood Drive

In the first hour of the drive, Brown and members of his coaching staff donated blood followed by hundreds of others throughout the day. Sixers players, after finishing with their morning session of practice, walked through to visit with people who were donating. Raja Bell, Damone Brown, Joe Brown, Ira Bowman, Jerome Moisio, Dikembe Mutombo, Michael Smith, Eric Snow, and Robert Traylor all spent time at the donation center, signing autographs, taking pictures, and thanking both volunteers and donors.

"The first time I gave blood was in Pennsylvania at a summer camp in a gym. I was under a glass backboard, so this is like a repeat performance from that first time. I'm very happy to be able to contribute today," said Brown. "My coaches have been kidding me that my blood is (North) Carolina blue!"

"I think it's important that everyone does their part," said Director of Scouting Courtney Witte. "This is a new awareness, to keep the blood supply at a high level throughout the United States."

"Giving blood here with the Red Cross is a great thing," said Bell. "There is a shortage of blood. Unfortunately, it took the tragic events of September 11 to get everyone out and hopefully this will help restock the blood supply in America."