Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Nov. 1, 2024) — The American Red Cross Autumn Heroes Sweepstakes kicks off today, offering donors a unique opportunity to win one of two $7,000 gift cards while making a lifesaving difference by giving blood or platelets by Nov. 17. As a token of appreciation, all donors will also receive a $10 gift card.
“At this time of year, people often reflect on what they are grateful for. Patients are certainly grateful for donors who provide lifesaving blood,” said Benjamin Donner, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Central and Southern Utah Chapter. “Our donors’ generosity continually inspires us, and we are excited to offer them a chance to win a $7,000 gift card.”
Donner understands firsthand the importance of blood donations. After experiencing a medical emergency requiring a transfusion of four units of blood, he expressed his gratitude: “I used to donate because I knew there was always a need for blood, and it was the right thing to do. When I needed a transfusion, four anonymous donors had given blood, ensuring it was available when I needed it.”
Schedule your blood donation today
Unfortunately, demand for blood during the holidays coincides with a lower availability of donors due to vacations and holiday activities, seasonal illnesses, school breaks and severe weather.
Donors can easily schedule an appointment through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Those who donate blood, platelets or plasma from Nov. 1-17 will receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice and be automatically entered for a chance to win one of two $7,000 gift cards. For more details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Thanks.
The American Red Cross is a major contributor to the national blood supply, providing approximately 40% of all blood collected, and serves over 2,500 hospitals and transfusion centers nationwide. To meet ongoing patient needs, the Red Cross must collect around 12,500 blood and 3,000 platelet donations daily. Nearly 45 hospitals in Utah rely on the Red Cross for their blood supply.
Host a blood drive
The Red Cross of Utah encourages businesses, churches, schools and community groups to host blood drives. Partnering with the Red Cross to organize a blood drive is a meaningful way to give back to the community and make a lasting impact. The Red Cross offers comprehensive planning assistance and recruitment tools to help attract donors. On the day of the drive, the Red Cross provides all necessary equipment, materials and trained staff. Learn more at redcrossblood.org/host-a-drive.
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 follow us on social media.