ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., July 22 /EMWNews/ -- Charter Bank Mortgage

Insurance will host its annual blood drive for United Blood Services on

Thursday, July 24th, 2008. Thirty-six employees will donate at Charter's

Eubank and Promenade locations.



    It is estimated that because just one donation can save up to three

lives, over one hundred lives could be saved from the blood collected at

Charter on Thursday alone (United Blood Services).



    The blood donated will be used in "cancer treatments, organ

transplants, and open heart surgery," (unitedbloodservices.org) as well as

for the treatment of blood clotting disorders, anemia, and hemophilia.



    Some employees will participate in Double Red Cell Aphaeresis. In this

process, the donor gives twice the usual amount of blood and the plasma and

platelets are returned to them.



    "I am a believer in donating blood and have been a donor myself for a

very long time," said Charter chairman, Robert Wertheim. "By giving blood,

you can be instrumental in saving someone's life."



    Those who donate will also receive free cholesterol readings and a mini

physical, including a check of temperature, pulse, blood pressure and iron

levels.



    United Blood Services (UBS) will provide a "bloodmobile" and trained

staff to take the donations. UBS frequents schools, organizations, and

businesses to collect blood for the community. It is estimated that 60% of

the population will need blood at some point in their lifetime.



    On the day of the drive, Charter also holds a cookie baking contest to

encourage employee involvement and provides donors with refreshments to

bring up their energy levels after donating.

    About Charter



    Locally owned and operated, Charter provides a diverse range of

financial services, including retail banking, residential/commercial

mortgage and insurance. It combines the capabilities, resources and product

range of larger banks with the local decision making, market knowledge and

customer service of a community bank.



    Founded in 1976, it is the fifth largest financial institution in New

Mexico, with assets of over $1 billion and six branches in Santa Fe, Rio

Rancho and Albuquerque and lending offices across New Mexico, Colorado, and

Idaho. Charter leads the state in residential mortgage approval, funding

and servicing. The company is also one of the largest commercial loan

originators in New Mexico.




http://www.charterco.com