MILWAUKEE — The American Red Cross invites the community to roll up a sleeve and make a lifesaving difference at the annual Milwaukee County Zoo Blood Drive, Wednesday, June 17, through Friday, June 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day at the zoo’s Peck Center, 10001 W. Bluemound Road.

As a thank you, all presenting donors will receive free same-day zoo admission, parking, and two free tickets to Summerfest, while supplies last.

When arriving at the zoo, donors should use the main/east entrance and inform the gate attendant that they are there to donate blood. The Peck Center is located through the welcome building, past the penguin exhibit, and along the boardwalk.

Summer months are often a challenging time for the nation’s blood supply. With schools out of session and many regular donors traveling, blood donations often decline, yet the need remains constant. Every two seconds, someone in the United States requires blood or platelets for emergencies such as accidents, surgeries, cancer treatments, and chronic illnesses.

“Maintaining a strong blood supply during the summer months can be especially challenging,” said Catherine Rabenstine, CEO of the American Red Cross of Wisconsin. “Events like the Milwaukee County Zoo Blood Drive are critical to ensuring hospitals have the blood they need for patients facing emergencies and ongoing treatments. Now is the time to step up, schedule an appointment, and help ensure patients have the blood they need this summer.”

The Red Cross must collect thousands of blood and platelet donations each day to meet patient needs at hospitals across the country. Donors of all blood types are encouraged to give, especially those with type O blood, which is often in high demand for trauma situations.

All who come to give June 1-28, 2026, will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice, plus automatic entry for a chance to win one of two $7,500 gift cards. See RedCrossBlood.org/June for details.

How to donate blood

To make an appointment, simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

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.