During the month of January, nationally recognized as Blood Donor Awareness Month, all presenting blood donors in the greater Rochester area will receive a coupon from Dunkin’ Donuts for a free pound of coffee.*

WHEN: Friday, January 7
WHERE: Dunkin’ Donuts, Corner of Hudson & Titus Ave, Irondequoit, NY

Dunkin’ Donuts and the American Red Cross are teaming up for the annual “Give a Pint, Get a Pound” campaign, which is designed to spur blood donations during the critically slow winter months. Following extreme snowfalls during December 2010, the annual blood donor initiative campaign comes at a critical time for blood donations in Western New York. According to the American Red Cross, approximately 750 units of blood went uncollected during early December due to blood drive closures and low turnout at drives as a result of poor weather conditions.

Representatives from the American Red Cross and Dunkin’ Donuts will explain details of the “Give a Pint, Get a Pound” partnership, which provides a coupon for a free pound of Dunkin’ Donuts coffee to all presenting blood donors at Red Cross blood drives in Western New York during the month of January.

Additionally, for the first time in the campaign’s history, one Rochester area resident who donates blood during the month of January will receive free coffee for a year, courtesy of Dunkin’ Donuts. Blood is an essential component for patient care in area hospitals, and the only source of blood is a healthy, volunteer blood donor. About every two seconds someone in America needs blood, and one donation can help save up to three lives. All current and new donors are strongly urged to call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to schedule an appointment. 

About Dunkin' Donuts
Founded in 1950, Dunkin' Donuts is America's favorite every day, all-day stop for coffee and baked goods. Dunkin' Donuts is a market leader in the regular/decaf coffee, iced coffee, hot flavored coffee, donut, bagel and muffin categories, and the largest coffee and baked goods chain in the world. Dunkin' Donuts has earned the No. 1 ranking for customer loyalty in the coffee category by Brand Keys for four years running. The company has more than 9,000 restaurants in 31 countries worldwide. In 2009, Dunkin' Donuts' global system-wide sales totaled $5.7 billion. Based in Canton, Massachusetts, Dunkin' Donuts is a subsidiary of Dunkin' Brands, Inc. For more information, visit www.DunkinDonuts.com.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross has been a primary supplier of lifesaving blood products in the United States for more than 50 years. The American Red Cross Blood Services - Northeast Division must distribute approximately 3,000 units of blood each day just to meet the basic needs of area patients. To donate blood and platelets through the Red Cross, individuals must be at least 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in general good health.  The states of Maine, Massachusetts and New York allow those who are 16 years of age to donate blood with parental consent. For additional information please call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org.