FARMINGTON, Conn. (August 20, 2018) – The American Red Cross and Deep River Snacks, headquartered in Deep River, Connecticut, have joined together to give a special thank you to blood and platelet donors. Deep River Snacks is donating $150,000 worth of potato chips and salty snacks to be provided at all fixed blood drive locations across the United States. Since health care professionals recommend that individuals eat a snack and hydrate immediately after donating blood, snacks are a necessity in the refreshment areas at Red Cross blood donation centers.
Deep River Snacks is a new Ready 365 Platinum Plus partner of the Red Cross in Connecticut. Through the Ready 365 program, Deep River Snacks is a part of the Red Cross humanitarian mission and stands with us as we provide lifesaving services and support of the Red Cross mission.
“We are so thankful for this new partnership with Deep River Snacks,” said Mario Bruno, CEO, American Red Cross Connecticut and Rhode Island Region. “Their contribution not only provides snacks to help refuel our generous volunteer blood and platelet donors, but it shows an immense amount of support and appreciation and the Red Cross truly values the relationship.”
This is not the first time Deep River Snacks has supported the Red Cross. In the fall of 2017, Deep River Snacks donated more than $95,000 worth of salty snacks to support relief efforts during the California wildfires.
"Our mission at Deep River Snacks is to support our communities and touch the lives of others, so we proudly partner with the American Red Cross to help them further their noble work," said Nicole Marhefka,
Marketing Manager, Deep River Snacks. "Having a plentiful snack after donating blood is important, and we are honored to be the source of that nutrition to blood donors after they give blood."
Deep River Snacks is continuing their service with the Red Cross by sponsoring several blood drives throughout the New York and New Jersey area.
Each year, more than 2.8 million people donate blood through the Red Cross, helping to provide about 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply. Deep River Snacks’ generosity supports the nation’s largest blood collection organization to continue providing safe and reliable blood services to patients at approximately 2,600 hospitals and transfusion centers nationwide.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or redcross.org/cruz-roja, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.