Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Nov. 12, 2024) — Thirty years ago, the beloved TV show FRIENDS debuted, sparking a cultural phenomenon leading to a Broadway musical, an animated series and countless trivia games. Now, it inspires a new collaboration featuring exclusive FRIENDS + Red Cross holiday socks, celebrating the legacy of the show while encouraging lifesaving blood donations.
In celebration of FRIENDS' 30th anniversary, the American Red Cross is offering Utah residents a unique opportunity. Starting next week, those who donate blood between Nov. 18 and Dec. 8 will receive two pairs of sought-after socks, while supplies last, thanks to a partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products. These special socks are not available for purchase but are free as a token of appreciation for donating blood. For more information, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Friends.
“Donating blood offers an incomparable sense of satisfaction and purpose. Our unique FRIENDS sock giveaway celebrates this feeling and encourages the spirit of giving,” said Benjamin Donner, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Central and Southern Utah Chapter. “It’s not just about the socks; it’s about the difference each one of us can make in someone’s life.”
As Joey Tribbiani from FRIENDS famously said, “You can’t have Thanksgiving without turkey. That’s like the Fourth of July without apple pie, or Friday with no two pizzas.” Just like Monica’s head in a turkey, FRIENDSgiving is incomplete without these amazing socks.
Holiday Season Blood Donations
During the holiday season, Red Cross’s ability to collect enough blood to meet the needs of patients across the country can be disrupted by holiday travel, seasonal illnesses and severe winter weather. “With all the excitement surrounding the holidays, blood donation may get overlooked due to other obligations,” Donner said. “This time of year, many regular donors will take a break from their normal routine and may not have a chance to donate, but patients’ need for blood remains constant.”
To help, donors can schedule an appointment using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). 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 donations and 3,000 platelet donations daily. Nearly 45 hospitals in Utah rely on the Red Cross for their blood supply.
While all blood types are needed, there is a critical demand for type O and platelet donors. Type O positive is the most transfused blood type, while type O negative is the universal donor, often used in emergencies when there’s no time to determine a patient’s blood type. Platelets are essential for patients, especially those battling cancer.
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.