Red Cross offers chance at free gas for August donations

PULLMAN – A decline in blood donations this summer has the American Red Cross offering would be donors a chance to win a $6,000 gas card.

All donors from Aug. 1-31 are receive an entry into the giveway.

The Red Cross blood supply has shrunk nearly 20% in recent weeks due to a decline in donations, officials said. It will continue to decline if donations do not increase.

Type O negative blood donors are especially needed, according to a press release on July 27.

“This is a concerning trend that may soon make it tougher to keep blood products stocked on hospital shelves,” said Paul Sullivan, Red Cross senior vice president of donor services. “By choosing a time to give now, donors can help pump up the blood supply for those in immediate need of lifesaving care and who rely on transfusion for treatment.”

Those who come to give blood in August will be entered to win free gas, and everyone who does will also receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice.

Donors can schedule an appointment to donate using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donations in Whitman County are as follows

Aug. 3 — Moscow Eagles, Eagles Lodge 2277, 123 N Main St.

Aug. 4 — 11:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m., at Gladish Community and Cultural Center, 115 N.W. State St.

Aug. 12 — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Moscow, 1000 W. Pullman Road.

Aug. 16 — 11:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., at St Marks Episcopal Church, 111 S Jefferson St.

Aug 17 — 8 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., at St Marks Episcopal Church, 111 S Jefferson St.

Aug. 24-25 — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., in the University of Idaho commons, University Avenue and Line Street.

Aug. 26 — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Best Western Plus University Inn, 1516 W. Pullman Road.