Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
LAS VEGAS (April 17, 2023) — It can’t be purchased for any price. That’s the ultra-exclusive T-shirt featuring “Peanuts” cartoon character Snoopy leaning on the American Red Cross logo, a viral shirt-sensation on TikTok. The good news is, Southern Nevada residents can get the in-demand item free as a thank you for donating blood this week, Monday, April 17 – Sunday, April 23.
“We have seen a substantial increase in blood donations since the T-shirt giveaway started April 1 and many younger people are donating for the first time.” said Rachel Flanigan, American Red Cross of Southern Nevada Executive Director. “While people may be coming in for the Snoopy T-shirt initially, I think once they learn the importance of their donation and see how easy it is to give blood, they could become lifelong donors.”
Donation appointments are up more than 20% since last Monday, meaning nearly 27,000 more people than expected were scheduled to give last week. “But time is running out – and so are the T-shirts,” Flanigan said. “The Snoopy Red Cross T-shirt giveaway ends Sunday, April 23, so we’re encouraging everyone to make a donation appointment now.” (While supplies last. Terms apply. Visit rcblood.org/cool.)
Donors across the country have been posting on TikTok about getting the limited-edition Snoopy T-shirt, with some of the videos watched millions of times. “We have not only seen more donations, but also more interest in the Red Cross,” Flanigan said. “There’s been a surge in visits to Red Cross webpages and social media accounts.”
Younger people are often introduced to blood drives through their high schools or colleges, but the pandemic made those drives less accessible. “We have seen how social media can bridge that gap, and the multigenerational appeal of Peanuts can introduce people of all ages to blood donation,” Flanigan said.
Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs a blood transfusion
Donors of all blood types – particularly type O, the blood group hospitals use most – are needed now to give blood or platelets to help meet demand. Schedule an appointment today by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
The Red Cross supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood. Donors make that possible
In fact, the only way to obtain transfusable blood is through donations. “For as long as medicine has been around, we’ve relied on the generosity of others to give blood so it’s available when needed,” said Dr. Walter Kelley, Salt Lake City-based Divisional Chief Medical Officer for the Pacific, Rocky Mountain and Southwest Divisions of the American Red Cross. “Any of us – our friends, family, neighbors – could be in an accident or become ill some day and need a transfusion. Yet, in the U.S., where 62% of the population is eligible to give, only about 3% does. We’re working to increase that number.”
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
