January is National Blood Donor Month and the nation’s blood supply is at a historic low. This month, donors can be a hero and save lives while earning a chance to win tickets, accommodations, and transportation to the one of the biggest sporting events of the year. Those who roll up their sleeve to give blood between January 24–31, 2022, are already eligible for a dozen free Original Glazed doughnuts from Krispy Kreme.
Amidst the most severe blood shortage in more than 10 years, the American Red Cross is teaming up with the NFL to give football fans and blood donors a chance to score tickets to the Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles, California. There is also an opportunity to receive a home-theater package to make viewing the Super Bowl at home an unforgettable experience. Those who donate blood to the American Red Cross during the month of January 2022 are automatically entered to win.
The American Red Cross supplies 40% of the nation’s blood supply, yet they recently have had to limit blood product distributions to hospitals. Since blood can’t be stockpiled or manufactured, hospitals are dependent on the generosity of volunteers willing take the time to help others.
The American Red Cross sites 4 main reasons for the blood shortage crisis on their website. They are:
- There has been a 10% overall blood donation decline since March 2020.
- Due to the pandemic, college and high school blood drives have dropped 62%. In 2019, 25% of donors were students — that number has fallen to 10% during the pandemic.
- Many blood drives have been cancelled due to lack of staff, illness, and inclement weather.
- An influx of COVID-19 cases and an active flu season makes a bad situation worse.
Krispy Kreme wants to help the American Red Cross raise awareness to the critical need for blood and show their appreciation to donors by giving a dozen free Original Glazed doughnuts to those who give blood the last week of January 2022. After making your blood donation, show your donor band or sticker that has your donation date at your local Krispy Kreme or use your donor app as proof of donation. You must donate blood and pick up your free doughnuts between January 24–31, 2022. See how it works here.
While all blood donations are vitally needed, the American Red Cross desperately seeks Type O Positive, the most common blood type, Type O Negative, the universal blood type often used in emergency rooms, and platelets, which are used in transfusions.
If you’d like to donate blood, visit the American Red Cross website. You’ll learn how to find a blood drive, eligibility requirements, and common concerns, plus a whole lot of useful information about the importance of giving blood.
Good luck on your entry to win Super Bowl LVI tickets or the home theater package. Either way, your donation will save lives and score you some free doughnuts. I call that a win-win!
If you are a blood donor, I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments!
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