In addition to a bar of fabulous Cabot Creamery cheese the Red Cross is offering donors a $20 Amazon Gift Card by email for giving blood in August.  

The American Red Cross has an urgent need for donors and is counting on people to act now and book a time to give blood or platelets. Donors of all blood types and those giving platelets are needed to keep a strong supply of lifesaving blood products on hospital shelves into the summer.

As summer heat ramps up, so do people’s plans, which could lead to postponed appointments or less opportunities to give ─ an especially troubling scenario at a time where the Red Cross has experienced an alarming drop in scheduled donations in recent weeks. In addition to many end-of-school year activities, travel and school breaks, June 1 marked the beginning of Atlantic hurricane season ─ a reminder that severe weather can also quickly disrupt the ability to donate in affected areas and potentially delay or cancel blood drives.

Power Red: A Power Red donation collects the red cells but returns most of the plasma and platelets to the donor. These donors must meet specific eligibility requirements and have type A Neg, B Neg, or O blood.