Bebo’s Car Wash to host 30th annual Red Cross blood drive

The American Red Cross and Bebo’s Car Wash are teaming up Aug. 5 through 8 to help save lives at various locations. Bebo’s Car Wash has partnered with the Red Cross for 30 years to help those depending on blood transfusions. All participants will receive a Red Cross T-shirt, Domino’s Pizza, and a free Bebo’s car wash, while supplies last.

This blood drive comes as the Red Cross is urging individuals to help ensure blood is never missing from hospital shelves by donating blood through the Missing Types campaign. The goal of Missing Types campaign is to change the statistics by inspiring blood donors, especially new donors, to give this summer and become regular blood donors for patients in need in the years to come. Only 3 out of 100 Americans donate blood, yet every two seconds, someone needs it. There simply aren’t enough people donating blood to help patients in need.

“We appreciate Bebo’s Car Wash and WKRG News 5 for bringing the community together to help patients fighting cancer, sickle cell disease and other health conditions,” said Ronnika A. McFall, external communications manager for the Red Cross Alabama and Central Gulf Coast Blood Services Region. “The Red Cross relies on the generosity of blood drive sponsors and volunteers and we thank everyone who supports our lifesaving mission.”

Those with types O, A negative and B negative blood are encouraged to make a Power Red donation at this blood drive. Power Red donors give a concentrated dose of red blood cells during a single donation, allowing them to maximize their impact. During this type of donation, red blood cells are separated from other blood components, and the plasma and platelets are safely and comfortably returned to the donor.

Help save lives at one of the following blood drives:

• 8/5/2019: noon until 6 p.m., WKRG News 5, 555 Broadcast Dr., in Mobile
• 8/6/2019: noon until 6 p.m., Foley Civic Center 407 E. Laurel Ave., in Foley
• 8/7/2019: 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., Pleasure Island Gulf Shores City of Gulf Shores Adult Activity Center, 260 Clubhouse Dr., in Gulf Shores
• 8/7/2019: 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., Daphne Community Christ The King Catholic Church, 1601 Main St., in Daphne
• 8/8/2019: 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., Walmart Foley 2200 S. McKenzie St., in Foley

How to donate blood

For more information and to make an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) sponsor code: bebos. Donors of all blood types are needed. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass^® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, from a computer or mobile device. To get started and learn more, visit RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.