Get freebies if you donate blood

Despite repeated attempts to lure more donors over the past several months, the American Red Cross reports it had even fewer donors give — making the national blood supply dangerously low and reducing distributions of some blood types to hospitals. The shortfall for August alone was 30,000 donations.

“Hurricane Idalia further strained the blood supply with blood drive cancellations and reduced blood and platelet donations in affected areas,” the Red Cross reports.

With such an urgent need, the Red Cross continues to look for ways to entice donors. Through Sept. 18, donors can get a t-shirt. For the whole month, donors will also receive a coupon for a free Sport Clips Haircut and be entered for a chance to win a VIP NASCAR racing experience.

Those who are willing to give might also want to consider the rest of the Red Cross’s mission and become a volunteer. An already nasty hurricane season is expected to get worse.

“The Red Cross urges everyone to get ready now and consider becoming a volunteer to help people affected by the growing number of climate-driven disasters,” it says.

Locally, donors can give from 1-6 p.m. Thursday at the Grand Central Mall; from noon to 6 p.m. Monday at Norwood United Methodist Church, 23 Colegate Drive, Marietta; from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 20 at the mall; and from 1-6 p.m. Sept. 25 at the mall.

Those who are eligible can no longer ignore the need. Approximately 30,000 people did that last month, and now the situation is beyond critical.

Roll up your sleeves and get to it.