Syracuse University students, faculty and staff will once again compete in the annual Blood Battle kickoff drive. The blood drive will run from 1-9 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 11, in Goldstein Auditorium. The Syracuse University vs. Boston College men’s basketball game will be played on the big screen beginning at 7 p.m.
“Every year, the American Red Cross, the American Red Cross Club at SU and numerous student organizations and Student Affairs departments come together to organize this fantastic event,” says Bridget Yule, director of Student Centers and Programming Services. “It is wonderful when our community joins together to support patients in need.”
The Blood Battle kickoff event will also include food, entertainment and many chances to win fun giveaways from area businesses throughout the day. All presenting donors will receive a free commemorative Blood Battle T-shirt and a $5 Dunkin Donuts gift card.
The Syracuse University vs. Boston College Blood Battle will consist of multiple blood drives throughout the month of April. This year’s theme is “The Drive for 500,” referring to this year’s goal of donating a total of 500 pints. The winner of the Blood Battle will be awarded a trophy and secure bragging rights for the entire year.
Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to schedule an appointment to donate blood. To schedule an appointment, visit http://redcrossblood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or use the New Blood Donor App (text 90-999 to download). Be sure to mention sponsor code giveblood@SU when scheduling your appointment. Walk-ins are welcome. Please note that a blood donor card, driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.
Not everyone is eligible to donate blood, and blood donation is not the only way to support this effort. For more information about volunteering in lieu of donating blood, email Katie Stepanian, Red Cross Syracuse account manager, at katie.stepanian@redcross.org.
