Convenience, for many people, turns out to be the deciding factor whether they give blood or not. The American Red Cross works closely with companies, community groups, military bases, churches and synagogues, colleges, universities and high schools to organize blood drives at places most convenient for donors — the places where they live, work, worship, and play. In fact, 80% of blood donations made through the Red Cross are made at blood drives rather than fixed donor centers.

Blood drives need sponsors — an organization that can provide the appropriate physical space and a coordinator from the organization to educate, motivate, and recruit donors and work with the local Red Cross.

Why do organizations sponsor drives? Because it is both a simple and a powerful way to serve your community and allow employees/colleagues or members to get involved. Whether your organization is large or small, you can make a difference!

If you or your organization is interested in becoming a blood drive sponsor, please call 1-800-GIVE LIFE (1-800-448-3543) for details, or register online.

The sponsor: The Red Cross does the rest: » Offers a suitable location » Helps recruit donors within the organization and publicizes the drive » Schedules donors for their appointments » Works with you every step of the way to plan and organize the blood drive » Helps you determine how many donors to expect and how to recruit them » Brings equipment and supplies to you, sets everything up and takes it down at the end » Confidentially screens donors and collects the donations, safely and professionally » Schedules or helps you schedule volunteers to greet donors and serve refreshments

Resources for Sponsors
When you schedule a blood drive, your Red Cross representatives will provide you with a variety of recruitment tools. In addition, we are making some tools available to sponsors online. Please see:

• 50 quick facts about blood needs and blood donations
• Blood drive planning checklist
• Short digital recruitment videos highlighting the need for blood
• Answers to frequently asked questions by donors

And last but not least, please see the difference you are making in so many recipients' lives and accept a big THANK YOU — we couldn't do it without you!