“Give A Pint, Get A Pint” returns for a seventh year

The need for blood donations doesn’t take a vacation. Summer is a challenging time to collect enough blood donations to meet the needs of patients. That’s why The American Red Cross and Stewart’s Shops are incentivizing donors with a sweet treat.

For a seventh year, Stewart’s Shops is treating Red Cross blood donors to free pints of ice cream as a part of the “Give a Pint, Get a Pint” program.  For the month of June, presenting donors at blood drives in 26 counties across Upstate New York will receive a voucher for a free pint of Stewart’s Shop’s ice cream or gelato. Vouchers can be redeemed at any Stewart’s Shops location.

Gary Dake, president of Stewart’s Shops and loyal blood donor says, “This is one our favorite campaigns because we are helping people in need of lifesaving blood. When you give a pint, you’ll get a pint of Stewart’s ice cream. And what’s better than ice cream in the summer?”

Every day. the Red Cross must collect enough blood to meet the needs of accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer, or sickle cell disease. Someone needs blood every two seconds.

“We are thrilled to partner with Stewart’s Shops again this year with this critical and fun promotion.  When summer hits our blood donations start to slow down yet the need for blood is constant. Give A Pint, Get A Pint is a great way to remind people that their donation could save a life while getting thanked with the ultimate summer treat, ice cream”, said Kevin Coffey, Regional CEO, American Red Cross, Eastern New York Region.

The need for blood is constant. Blood is only available through the generosity of donors. A diverse donor base is important, and all blood types are needed. Each donation can help to save up to three lives.  The Red Cross is looking for donations from people of all backgrounds to meet collection needs.

The Red Cross needs to collect about 12,500 blood donations and more than 2,700 platelet donations to meet the needs of patients at about 2,500 hospitals and other facilities across the country.

In most cases, there’s no blood donation deferral if you received a COVID-19 vaccine and you’re symptom-free and feeling well when you come to give. Learn more at RedCrossBlood.org.

How to donate blood 

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. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. 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. 

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.