Give Blood. Play Hockey.

As if Caps fans weren't already some of the greatest people on earth, 462 of them (including one hockey-crazed family I know personally) lined up to donate blood at the Capital's sponsored Inova Blood Drive last Saturday. All in all, Caps fans donated more than 415 units of blood! One blood donation can save up to three lives, and the 415 units collected could help more than 1,200 local patients. Blood and platelets help many people, including trauma patients, surgery patients, newborn babies, cancer patients and transplant patients.

Inova Blood Donor Services also sponsors my twins' house league hockey teams and the rink boasts a really neat Inova sign that reads "Give Blood. Play Hockey." Nearing the holiday season, there is always a need for all blood types so if you'd like to become a valuable blood donor, call 1-866-BLOODSAVES (1-866-256-6372) or visit http://www.inova.org/blood_donor. And a big toast to all of the terrific Caps fans who participated in Saturday's blood drive!

The Capitals organization is fabulous in terms of serving their community and the team will continue their efforts with a canned food drive at the upcoming Caps/Rangers game on November 8. In conjunction with WFED 1500 AM and the Capital Area Food Bank, the Caps will be collecting canned food and monetary donations, with the help of the player's wives and girlfriends. As d-man Mike Green has been involved in the fight against hunger in the D.C. area, the first 2,000 fans to make a donation will recieve a Mike Green poster. Knowing the enthusiasm and generosity of the Capitals community, Hockey Mom is certain that my fellow fans will help the team make this the most successful food drive ever! Keep up the great work!