The American Red Cross has seen a decline in blood donations all summer with blood donations being sent to hospitals faster than they are coming in. To avert a looming blood shortage, the American Red Cross invites eligible donors to roll up a sleeve during the 8th Annual Brookfield Zoo Blood Drive, Thursday, August 31, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Brookfield Zoo Discovery Center, 3300 Golf Road, in Brookfield.
As a thank you, all pre-registered blood donors will receive free general zoo admission the day of the drive for one adult and up to two children, plus free parking in the Discovery Center Parking Lot, a special Red Cross T-shirt, and a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card**, by email courtesy of our partners at Amazon.*** Please enter through the South Gate entrance, (located at 3300 Golf Rd.) Show your confirmation to the gate attendant and follow the signs to the Discovery Center Parking Lot for free parking.
“We are honored to be hosting the 8th Annual Blood Drive with the Red Cross,” stated Leah Rippe, vice president of marketing and communication for the Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo. “We are grateful to the many families and Zoo employees who come out to support this lifesaving mission and round it out with a day at the Zoo.”
Donated blood may be used to help accident victims, surgery patients, organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer, or sickle cell disease. There is no substitute for donated blood products. Each day, the Red Cross must collect more than 13,000 blood donations to meet the needs of patients at approximately 2,500 hospitals across the country.
“The blood drive at Brookfield Zoo is a great opportunity for people to come out to both enjoy the zoo and help the community by donating blood,” said Mark Thomas, interim chief executive officer of the Red Cross of Illinois. “We encourage anyone who can donate to join us at this summer blood drive. Summer months are among the most challenging times of the year for collecting blood as regular donors delay giving while they vacation and participate in seasonal activities, yet patients are always counting on the generosity of blood donors to keep replenishing the life-saving supply.”
Eligible donors with types O, A negative and B negative blood are urged to make a Power Red donation at this blood drive. Power Red donors give a concentrated dose of red blood cells during a single donation, allowing them to maximize their impact. During this type of donation, red blood cells are separated from other blood components, and the plasma and platelets are safely and comfortably returned to the donor.
How to register to donate blood:
Simply download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code: BrookfieldZoo 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 must meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, from a computer or mobile device. To get started and learn more, visit RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.
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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
**Restrictions apply, see amazon.com/gc-legal
***Presenting donors who receive this offer and present to donate during the applicable promotional time frame are eligible to receive the above-described e-gift card(s). This offer is non-transferable and not redeemable for cash. Limit one (1) per presenting donor unless otherwise indicated. [If a presenting donor qualifies for multiple offers, the donor will receive all offers unless otherwise indicated.] Instructions on how to redeem your gift card will be emailed to the address listed in the presenting donor’s American Red Cross donor profile approximately thirty (30) days after attempted donation(s). All gift cards are subject to individual merchant terms and conditions, and all trademarks are property of their respective owners. Merchants and offers are subject to change. No substitutions by presenting donors. American Red Cross is not responsible for lost, damaged, corrupted or stolen gift cards and may replace any such cards at its sole discretion. Any questions or problems in connection with redeeming gift cards must be directed to the merchant.