ATLANTA — Blue Bell Ice Cream is helping the American Red Cross encourage people to donate blood this summer with a thank you gift of a pint of ice cream.
Everyone who gives blood from July 9 to 13 at any Red Cross donor center or blood drive will get a coupon for a pint of Blue Bell Ice Cream or an actual pint of ice cream, while supplies last.
The nearest participating location is Savannah Donor Center, 25 Tibet Ave.
“Especially during the summer, we need our generous donors to give blood more frequently. Most people can safely give blood every six weeks,” said Candice Gulden, Red Cross Southern Region communications director. “That means donors who make a donation during the week of July 9 will be eligible to donate again before Labor Day.”
The summer is particularly tough for the collections since schools, whose blood drives account for 20 percent of donations, are out and people are on vacation. And while there are fewer people donating blood, the need remains the same.
Most healthy people age 17 or older, who weigh at least 110 pounds can donate.
For more information, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or log on to www.redcrossblood.org

HPD hosting blood drive

The Hinesville Police Department will host a blood drive for the American Red Cross from 1-7 p.m. July 13. The blood mobile will be parked at HPD and donors will get Red Cross T-shirts and be entered for a chance to win two Delta airline tickets to any U.S. location Delta flies.