Red cross giving donors gift cards

The American Red Cross is now giving away $5 Amazon.com gift cards to donors over the next month.

They said it’s because they really need blood donations.

In fact, they said they’re facing an emergency blood shortage.  Eastern Nebraska chapter board chair Liz Wood said they usually like to have a five–day supply of blood on hand.

“Right now we’re down to three days, which means we have no reserve for catastrophic events and we’re even lower than we would like to be,” Wood said.

She said there are a lot of people across the country who need blood on a continual basis.

Wood said the spring floods and a lot of snow this past winter contributed to the shortage, but they’re hoping the gift cards can inspire more people to donate over the next month.

“Everybody gets five bucks and I’m sure everyone can find a way to spend that,” she said.  “And all they have to do is spend a few minutes with a little poke in their arm.”

Sheila Wissel, who gave blood on Monday, agreed.

“It’s, in a small way, something I can do to help those that are in need,” Wissel said.  “You never know when it could be you or a family member that needs the blood donation.”

The Red Cross is giving donors gift cards thru Aug. 29.  There are several drives already set up in Lincoln.  For the schedule and to set up time for a donation, visit:  https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=68506