PHILADELPHIA -- Christopher and Christian Johnson might have been the two happiest kids in Philadelphia on Wednesday.

Not only did they get to meet the Phillie Phanatic, members of the Phillies organization and numerous local television personalities, but they witnessed what it means to give back to the community. Christopher and Christian are 10-year-old twins with sickle-cell anemia who rely on people consistently donating blood.

Christian, for instance, needs a blood transfusion once a month to remain healthy and active.

The twin boys were all smiles watching everyone give blood -- including the Phanatic, who donated a pint for the first time in his life.

"It's very exciting to be here and see the Phillies take time out of their busy schedule to donate blood," Christian said.

"I feel like a very special kid today," Christopher added.

The Phillies teamed up with the American Red Cross and hosted the Phillies' media celebrity and employee blood drive at Citizens Bank Park. The event was the continuation of the organization's "Paint The Town Red" week-long celebration.

Most healthy people who are at least 17 years old and weigh 110 pounds or more are eligible to donate blood every 56 days.

Brigid O'Neill-LaGier, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross Blood Services, Penn-Jersey Region, was hopeful that the event would be completed with 55 pints of blood donated.

"That's important, because you're giving people the gift of life," O'Neill-LaGier said. "This is our second year of partnering with the Phillies, and they are so important to what we're trying to accomplish. This partnership and this event brings into focus the importance of giving blood and giving back to the community.

"It allows us to be a conduit to the community and to make people aware of how important it is to keep donating blood. People can donate blood six times a year. Every time blood is donated, it helps people in the area."

Before the special guest was announced to donate blood for the very first time, Phillies director of media and public affairs Scott Palmer talked about the importance of such an event.

"The American Red Cross is very close to the Phillies, and we're very much appreciative of their help," Palmer said. "You are giving the gift of life, each and every one of you here."

Palmer then asked the Phanatic, "Are you ready to give the gift of life?"

The Phanatic, still red from being dunked into a can of MAB paint at Monday's event at the Philadelphia Zoo, sat down by an American Red Cross volunteer and gave a thumbs up. He then placed a sign around his neck, which stated, "Be nice to me. I gave blood today."

After successfully donating a pint of blood, the Phanatic began to kiss the women in the room.

"Is it true that giving blood makes you more amorous?," asked Palmer.

The Phanatic pretended to blush and began dancing with women, one by one.

After leaving the event, the Phanatic was more than happy to discuss what it meant to participate.

"The Phanatic's happy to be part of such a worthwhile cause," said the Phanatic, who was helping out in a backup role. "Helping out C.J. and Chris with their ailment is important. I was happy to be part of this today. It's always nice to lend a hand to folks who need your help. Giving blood is so important, and if I was able to add a piece of comedy to the day, then that's a bonus. I was just happy to help."

This was just a start.

O'Neill-LaGier said the Phillies will be assisting in a blood drive in August, where the goal will be to receive 1,000 pints.

"We have the full support of the Phillies," O'Neill-LaGier said. "Jimmy Rollins helped out a lot last year. The players' support is so vital to our drive. We're looking forward to reaching our goals with the help of the Phillies again."

O'Neill-LaGier reiterated that donors can also give blood at any one of the nearly 200 bloodmobiles sponsored by business and community groups in southeastern Pennsylvania and in New Jersey, as well as at one of nine community donor centers.

Interested donors are encouraged to call 1-800-GIVE LIFE (1-800-448-3543) to make an appointment with the American Red Cross blood drive or visit www.pleasegiveblood.org to locate a listing of community blood drives.

"Every pint helps," O'Neill-LaGier said. "When you put a face with a name like these kids here today, it really shows people how worthwhile this is."