For 20 years, Red Cross mascot Buddy the Blood Drop has inspired and encouraged blood donors to roll up a sleeve to help save lives. This month, the Indiana Region Red Cross is celebrating Buddy’s impact with a mascot-filled birthday party on Tuesday, January 21 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. at the Indianapolis Red Cross office located at 1510 N. Meridian Street.

The Red Cross is inviting staff, volunteers and mascots to join us for cake and games at this celebration. Purdue Pete, Indy Fuel Nitro, Indianapolis Indians Rowdie and Sage the Night Owl from Western Governors University will be in attendance. This event is not open to the public.

January is National Blood Donor Month, a time to celebrate blood donors and encourage new ones to join our lifesaving mission. Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Through a national inventory, the Red Cross is able to move blood wherever and whenever it is needed most.

This time of year, seasonal illness and winter weather can lead to lower appointment numbers and decreased donor turnout, making it tougher to keep the blood supply stable. Since the start of 2025, thousands of units of blood have gone uncollected and blood drives were canceled due to serve winter weather and disaster like the wildfires in southern California. To celebrate Buddy’s birthday, people can give the gift of life and donate blood to help patients in need.

To schedule an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Access blood donation b-roll here.

About the American Red Cross Indiana Region:
The American Red Cross of Indiana Region serves 6.9 million people in 104 counties in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Ohio through its chapters: Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest, and Greater Indianapolis (Regional Headquarters). 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 us at Redcross.org/Indiana or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @indianaredcross. LinkedIn: American Red Cross of Indiana.