“Give A Pint, Get A Pint” returns for an eighth year

Summer is time when blood donations slow down, yet the need for blood donations doesn’t take a summer vacation. That’s why, for the eighth year in a row, Stewart’s Shops is treating American Red Cross blood donors to free pints of ice cream as a part of the “Give a Pint, Get a Pint” program to help. During the month of June, donors at blood drives in counties with Stewart’s Shops locations 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. 

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.

“If Stewart’s ice cream can encourage people to donate blood, we think that’s pretty sweet. We are proud to partner with the Red Cross for the past eight years to increase blood donations and raise awareness on the importance of donating. We hope that everyone that can donate will ‘Give a Pint and Get a Pint’ in June,” said Gary Dake, president of Stewart’s Shops.

Stewart’s will be dishing out free ice cream at our Blood Donation Centers in Albany and Liverpool on Thursday, June 1 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to highlight the need for blood donors and to kick off the eighth annual “Give a Pint, Get a Pint” campaign. We hope you can join us.

The Red Cross provides about 40% of the nation’s blood and blood components, all from generous volunteer donors. But supply can’t always meet demand because only about 3% of age-eligible people donate blood yearly. Each new donor helps meet patient needs. The Red Cross is looking for donations from people of all backgrounds to meet collection needs.  

“We are so grateful to partner with Stewart’s Shops again this year. Their commitment to highlighting the need for blood is extraordinary. When summer hits, our blood donations typically 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.  

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.