CARBONDALE, IL— For the 16th year, the American Red Cross and Southern Illinois University in Carbondale are partnering to host the SIU Homecoming Blood Drive. Students, faculty, alumni, and the greater Carbondale community are invited to donate blood on Tuesday, Oct. 14 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the SIU Student Center – Renaissance Room, 1255 Lincoln Drive, in Carbondale.
Annually, all registered student organizations compete in a friendly blood battle for the coveted SIU Homecoming Blood Drive trophy. The student organization which collects the most points wins. Students can earn points by attempting to donate, recruiting other people to donate on their registered student organization’s behalf, and by volunteering at the drive.
“We are grateful for this longstanding partnership with SIU Carbondale,” said Micheal Sullivan, Executive Director, Red Cross of Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas. “ Each year, I am amazed at the energy and dedication the student body brings to this blood drive.”
As a thank you, everyone who presents to donate blood will receive an exclusive Saluki Spooktacular Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last. Additionally, those who come to give will be rewarded with a $10 Amazon.Com Gift Card by email. Terms and additional details can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/Fall.
How to donate blood
To make an appointment, simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org and use sponsor code: SIUCHomecoming, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.