Red Cross extends ‘Dunkin Donors’ program due to weatherDate: 2/5/2015 GREATER SPRINGFIELD – For the first time in eight years, the American Red Cross and Dunkin’ Donuts are extending the “Dunkin’ Donors Make a Difference” campaign, launched on Jan. 1 and originally scheduled to conclude Jan. 31, to Feb. 15 to allow more Red Cross blood and platelet donors to participate in the wake of a blizzard in New England earlier this week and severe winter weather across the Northeast since the beginning of the year.
Those who come out to donate at participating blood drives will receive a free Dunkin’ Donor Card, good toward the purchase of any item at participating Dunkin’ Donuts.
Due to the most recent storm, 100 drives have been cancelled and 3,300 donations went uncollected. This is on top of a collections shortfall of several thousand donations due to storms earlier this month. Despite the weather, hospital patients still need blood and platelet donations. Blood donors with all types, especially O negative, A negative and B negative, and platelet donors are urged to make an appointment to give now.
At this time last year in Boston, nine-year-old Jacqueline’s heart surgery was postponed due to a shortage of type O negative blood at the hospital where she was being treated. Ultimately, Jacqueline had her surgery and is a healthy, active child thanks in part to blood donors. She will celebrate her tenth birthday this February. Generous blood donors who give to help the Red Cross ensure blood continues to be available for patients like Jacqueline this winter.
“As a parent you worry about things like your pipes freezing and your child not being warm. But, not having blood for my daughter was something I never thought I’d have to worry about,” Valerie Rogers, Jacqueline’s mother, said.
“The Red Cross appreciates Dunkin’ Donuts’ continued support in helping to maintain a sufficient blood supply during the winter months, which are challenging for donations due to severe weather forcing blood drives to cancel and seasonal illnesses temporarily keeping some donors at home,” Jeff Meyer, Massachusetts and Connecticut Region CEO, said. “However, donors are still needed. Those who are healthy and eligible to donate are urged to make an appointment now to ensure there continues to be enough blood on the shelves to meet hospital patient needs.”
Benny Omid, Dunkin' Donuts franchisee and Northeast co-chair of The Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins Community Foundation, said “Dunkin’ Donuts is proud to partner with the Red Cross for the Dunkin’ Donors Make a Difference campaign. Our franchisees are also pleased to sponsor blood drives at participating Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants throughout the Northeast during January and February to give our guests an opportunity to donate blood and help those in need in our communities.”
Those who come out to donate at Red Cross blood drives in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New York and New Hampshire and Vermont will receive a $5 DD Card through Feb. 15 as part of the new “Dunkin’ Donors Make a Difference” campaign.
The DD Card can be used toward the purchase of any item at participating Dunkin’ Donuts – including coffee, hot chocolate and baked goods, among other items. The Dunkin’ Donor Card features a Red Cross logo, is reloadable and can also be enrolled in the DD Perks Rewards program. Lastly, it will serve as a badge of honor throughout the year for those who donate blood.
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