Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Sept. 22, 2025) — Utahns have a unique opportunity to support patients in need while receiving a special thank-you gift. From Sept. 22 to Oct. 5, Red Cross Blood Donation Centers across Utah will be open daily, encouraging platelet donations with an exclusive offer: a limited-edition PEANUTS® x Red Cross sweatshirt featuring Snoopy.
This campaign builds on the success of the recent PEANUTS mystery bag giveaway, which inspired over 250,000 people nationwide to donate blood, plasma or platelets and receive a mystery bag containing one of four exclusive T-shirt designs. Now, the Red Cross is urging platelet donations, which are essential for patients undergoing cancer treatments, organ transplants and other critical medical procedures.
“Platelet donations are vital for patients battling serious health conditions, and this campaign gives Utahns a chance to make a meaningful impact while receiving a one-of-a-kind Snoopy sweatshirt,” said Jeremiah Lafranca, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Greater Salt Lake Chapter. “With our donation centers open every day the next two weeks, it’s easier than ever to schedule a platelet donation and be part of this important effort.”
What to Expect When Donating Platelets
For those who recently donated blood and received a PEANUTS T-shirt, there’s good news: donors only need to wait seven days before they are eligible to donate platelets and be rewarded with a coveted Snoopy sweatshirt. Platelet donors who give between Sept. 22 and Oct. 5, 2025, will receive the exclusive sweatshirt, available while supplies last. First-time platelet donors who give by Nov. 30 will also receive a $40 e-gift card. For more details, visit redcrossblood.org/giveplatelets.
Platelet donations are especially critical because they have a short shelf life of just five to seven days and must be constantly replenished. Unlike whole blood donations, platelet donation (known as apheresis) involves separating platelets from the blood and returning the remaining components to the donor. The process takes about two hours during which donors can relax, watch a movie or read a book. Platelets can be donated every seven days, up to 24 times a year.
Utah Donation Centers Open Daily Sept. 22 – Oct. 5
Red Cross Blood Donation Centers in Salt Lake City, Lehi and Layton will be open every day during the Snoopy sweatshirt giveaway, making it convenient for Utahns to participate.
How to Schedule an Appointment
Donating is easy and makes a difference. Schedule an appointment today using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcross.org/GiveBlood or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Use sponsor codes SaltLakeCityUT, LaytonUT or LehiUT to make an appointment at one of the Utah donation centers.
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.
