The American Red Cross has launched a social media campaign to recruit blood donors during the summer. How? Promotional products, of course.

From May 27 through May 31, people who donate blood during Memorial Day weekend will receive a free t-shirt as part of the #ChooseYourDay campaign.

Spokesperson Kara Lusk Dudley says that the Red Cross sees a decline in regular donors who may be travelling or on vacation during the warm weather. In addition, high schools and colleges, which traditionally host blood drives and are responsible for 20% of annual blood donations, remain dormant while students are out of class.

“Patients in the hospital don’t get a vacation,” Dudley says. “We’re looking to raise awareness and thank people for coming out to donate.”

The Red Cross has given out promotional products in the past such as baseball caps and beach towels. During the Fourth of July weekend this year, the organization plans on handing out logoed coolers to attract donors.

The Red Cross has also created a blood donor app that allows you to schedule appointments, track donations, earn rewards, and store health history information such as blood pressure.

Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.

Visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) for additional details.

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