The need for blood is constant and one of the most effective ways of recruiting blood donors is to host regular drives at sponsor organizations. A sponsor organization is an organization that can provide the necessary physical space to accommodate an onsite drive or a bloodmobile as well as a coordinator to educate, motivate, recruit donors and work with the local Red Cross representative. A sponsor group can be a school, religious organization, business or community group. Approximately 80 percent of the blood collected by the Red Cross is donated during blood drives.

Sponsoring a blood drive is a simple yet effective way to serve your community. It allows members of your organization to make a difference in the life of someone in need of a blood transfusion right in the convenience of their office, school, church, or community.

What a sponsor organization does:

• Offers a suitable location
• Helps recruit donors from their group or community
• Schedules donors for their donation appointment
• Schedules volunteers to greet donors and serve refreshments if needed

What the American Red Cross does:

A Red Cross representative will work with you to plan, organize, and publicize your blood drive.

• Help determine how many donors are needed and provide trained staff for the drive
• Confidentially screen donors and collect blood donations.

If you or your organization is interested in becoming a blood drive sponsor, please call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or email ljohnson@morglawredcross.org for more information.