Set Clear Goals and Objectives

Define your desired outcomes for the activity and create measurable goals and objectives to guide the planning process. Some examples of goals include number of attendees or number of new donor sign ups. We encourage you to integrate Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) considerations into your activity and be creative with your approaches. For example, encourage composting with food waste. 

Plan the Details

Determine iron-rich food to serve. You can check out our iron-rich food guide for more information. Here are some foods that are rich in iron:

• Beef or turkey jerky
• Broccoli
• Canned tuna
• Chickpeas
• Dark chocolate
• Raisins
• Spinach

There are several ways to execute this event. Consider event structure

• Determine if you want to charge a small fee for those who attend to help cover the expenses for the feast or to make a monetary donation to the Red Cross.
• You could also host this as a community potluck where attendees bring a dish featuring an iron-rich food.
• Your club can also fundraise for the feast beforehand and use free food from the feast as a way to encourage blood donor sign-ups.
• Explore hosting a fundraiser with a local restaurant where a certain percentage of proceeds can go towards your club or a Red Cross mission. Ask volunteers and donors to visit the restaurant during your fundraiser.

Coordinate the Logistics

Set a date and time

• We suggest hosting the activity 30 to 60 minutes before a blood drive. Or, the day before either as a community lunch or dinner. If your blood drive is several hours long, the feast can continue during the drive. 

Secure a venue

• Secure a location for the feast that is close to the location of the blood drive. Consider your school cafeteria, local banquet halls, and recreation centers. 
• For collegiate clubs consider using a common area in a dorm, a meeting room in your student center, or a classroom.

Assign roles and responsibilities

• This activity requires volunteers to set up and engage in conversations with the donors. Tips that volunteers can share with donors include: 
  • Drink an extra 16 oz. of water (or other nonalcoholic drink) before your appointment.
  • Eat a healthy meal, avoiding fatty foods like hamburgers, fries, or ice cream.
  • Wear a shirt with sleeves that you can roll up above your elbows.
  • Let us know if you have a preferred arm or vein used successfully to draw blood.
  • Relax, listen to music, talk to other donors, or read while you donate.

Gather supplies

• Create a list of supplies needed and arrange to acquire them in advance.
• Talk to local businesses and kindly ask if they would be willing to sponsor your activity by providing food, drinks, plates, cups, and utensils.
• Gather decorations, plates, napkins, and cups. Ask your school if they could provide these items to support the activity.

Spread the Word

• Advertise the activity through various channels such as social media, email, and school announcements. Consider including the following links:
• Donation Process Overview
• What to Do Before, During and After Your Donation
• What Happens to Donated Blood
• Download Your Guide to Foods Rich in Iron
• Send a reminder with important details prior to the activity.

Facilitate the Activity

• Run through Step 2 and Step 3 in advance and engage the participants throughout the activity.
• Arrive early to set up for the activity.
• Label ingredients in the food due to potential food allergies or dietary restrictions.
• Remind participants to clean up before they leave. We suggest providing trash, compost, and recycling containers to make it easier for participants to dispose of their waste.

Debrief and Thank Your Volunteers

• Invite participants to discuss their experiences and capture lessons learned.
• Thank everyone who contributed and participated.
• Remind volunteers to record their hours through Volunteer Connection.