“For every pint of blood that is donated, the Red Cross will in turn donate a pound of food to help feed local families,” said Linda Keenan, FoodBank Development Director. “Summer is a time for families to vacation and enjoy the shore, but at the same time, we see a steep decline in food donations during the summer months. For families who are struggling, hunger doesn’t take a vacation. Food and blood are both necessary for sustaining life and we’re so glad to have the opportunity to partner with Red Cross and provide both.”
As a result of busy summer schedules, the Red Cross often sees a seasonal decline in blood donations over the summer. During the months of June, July and August, on average, two fewer donors schedule an appointment to give blood at each Red Cross blood drive than what patients need. Two doesn’t sound like a lot, but it can add up to more than 100,000 fewer blood donations during the summer. Donors are needed now to avoid a seasonal decline in blood donations.
To make an appointment to donate, call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org
Sponsor Code: The Food Bank of Monmouth & Ocean Counties
The Food Bank of Monmouth & Ocean Counties
Donor Bus | 3300 Route 66 | Neptune, NJ 07753
Wednesday, July 8 | 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) 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 (16 with parental consent in some states), 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.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
About The FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties:
The FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties distributes more than 10 million meals annually through a network of over 300 feeding programs. Hunger in Monmouth and Ocean Counties is no longer a crisis that can be remedied with emergency food alone. The FoodBank works toward long-term solutions to the chronic problem of food insecurity; with initiatives to support a community where all people at all times have access to enough food to maintain an active and healthy life. Through programs and services like our Culinary Training Program, Nutrition Education, and outreach programs such as SNAP (food stamps), VITA free tax assistance, and affordable healthcare, we are working to build food-secure communities. We feed the lines and work toward shortening them at the same time. The FoodBank receives the highest rating of 4 Stars from Charity Navigator. A total of 96 cents out of every dollar raised supports food and programs. Visit us at www.fulfillnj.org.