DETROIT, MI -- (Marketwire) -- 11/06/08 -- The 2008 Blanket Days for the Homeless campaign is now officially underway. To kick off the campaign, the American Red Cross-Southeastern Michigan Chapter is partnering with Michigan First Credit Union for a kickoff blanket drive on November 10 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Credit Union's new Wyoming Branch at 19200 Wyoming Avenue, north of 7 Mile Road in Detroit.

The Red Cross will have staff and volunteers on hand at the Wyoming branch Michigan First Credit Union in Detroit to accept donations of new, twin-size blankets and financial contributions that will benefit the Blanket Days campaign. WJBK-FOX 2 Meteorologist Ben Bailey will make an appearance to encourage the public to make donations to help keep needy residents in southeast Michigan warm this winter. Also on hand will be the 93.9 FM River Roadies and the Bates Academy school band to play a few holiday selections as a special thank you to all who make donations!

"We are thrilled to partner with Michigan First Credit Union for this year's Blanket Days campaign," said Jim Laverty, CEO of the Southeastern Michigan Chapter. "It is our duty to do everything we can to help keep the homeless population in southeastern Michigan warm during winter. As this partnership grows, we hope to reach many more people throughout southeast Michigan, and there's no better way to start than with Blanket Days for the Homeless. We thank Michigan First Credit Union for stepping up and supporting this worthy cause."

Support for Blanket Days is encouraged through the donations of new twin-size blankets as well as financial contributions. The 2008 Red Cross Blanket Days campaign, with sponsorship and support from organizations including Quicken Loans, WJBK-FOX 2, 93.9 The River Radio, Humana and World Medical Relief, will help to give the gift of warmth to thousands of local residents this winter. To support this year's campaign call (313) 494-2740 or visit www.semredcross.org.

About the American Red Cross - Southeastern Michigan Chapter

The Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross is the organization that turns caring into action by providing disaster relief and helping people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. We are volunteer-driven and reflect the diversity of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. As part of the international Red Cross network, we are dedicated to protecting human life and dignity worldwide. To learn more about the Red Cross and to make a financial donation, call 1-877-788-0014 or log on to www.semredcross.org.

About Michigan First Credit Union

As one of the leading credit unions in metro Detroit, the Lathrup Village, Mich.-based Michigan First was founded in 1926 to serve educators, but currently provides services to more than 70,000 members and has approximately $480 million in assets. Membership is open to people who live, work or worship in one of 44 metro Detroit communities. The full-service financial institution offers savings accounts, checking accounts, certificates, money market accounts, consumer and vehicle loans, mortgages, home equity loans, business services, commercial lending, a special vehicle purchasing program, Visa® credit cards, MasterCard® debit card and MoneyWorks on-line banking.