RHODE ISLAND – Rhode Island Blood Center (RIBC) is offering a new sweepstakes for blood donors as the holiday season approaches and blood donations typically decline. From Monday, December 1st through Friday, December 12th, all who come to donate will be automatically entered to win that day’s featured prize. The winners will be selected 1–2 days after each promotional date and contacted directly to arrange gift pickup.
All donor centers and community blood drives are participating.
The holiday season is historically challenging for the blood supply, as school breaks, travel, and seasonal illness often keep regular donors from giving. The region currently has about a 4-day supply of blood, below the ideal 7-day level. Type O, the universal blood type relied on in emergencies, has only a 3-day supply. Donors of all blood types are needed to ensure hospitals are well-prepared for the coming winter months.
The items and their corresponding giveaway dates are listed below:
- Monday, December 1st – Polar Express Tickets (4)
- Tuesday, December 2nd – $100 Bacaro & $100 Otra restaurant gift cards (2 winners)
- Wednesday, December 3rd – Ocean Spa Gift Certificate
- Thursday, December 4th – $100 The Wharf & $100 Waterdog restaurant gift cards (2 winners)
- Friday, December 5th – Powerbeats Fit (Beats by Dre) headphones
- Saturday, December 6th – $50 Tango Gift Cards (2 winners)
- Sunday, December 7th – $100 CRU PVD & $100 Aguardente restaurant gift cards (2 winners)
- Monday, December 8th – Vincent van Gogh Starry Night Lego Creative Set
- Tuesday, December 9th – Sparkling Lights at the Breakers – 2 tickets, one winner
- Wednesday, December 10th – $50 Knead Doughnuts & $50 7 Stars Bakery gift cards (2 winners)
- Thursday, December 11th – $100 Georges of Galilee & $100 Crow’s Nest (DeQuattro Restaurant Group) restaurant gift cards (2 winners)
- Friday, December 12th – Nintendo Switch 2 Gaming Console
Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. In light of recent updates to FDA guidance, more people than ever may now be eligible to give. To view current eligibility guidelines or make an appointment, visit ribc.org or call 401-453-8383.
