Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
ALBANY, N.Y. (July 30, 2020) – This August, the American Red Cross and Hoffman Car Wash are joining forces for the first-ever “Practice Kindness, Donate Blood” campaign, inviting new and returning blood donors to embrace the Hoffman “Practice Kindness” motto by rolling up a sleeve to give.
As a thank you, those who come to give blood or platelets at participating* Red Cross blood drives and donation centers from August 1-31 will receive a certificate for a free Ultimate Exterior with Tire Shine car wash, courtesy of Hoffman, redeemable at all 20 Hoffman Exterior, Full Service or Touch Free car wash locations.
Hoffman Car Wash adopted the "Practice Kindness" mantra in 2018 and incorporates the mentality into its day-to-day philosophy, reinforcing the company’s commitment to community.
"We've partnered with the American Red Cross for many years and are eager to help when we sense there is a need. With blood contributions dropping off during the summer, we want to encourage more individuals to donate,” said Hoffman Car Wash CEO Tom Hoffman Jr. “We hope a free Hoffman car wash gives them the extra incentive to help save lives."
“We are proud to team up with Hoffman Car Wash and appreciate their efforts to encourage blood donation, especially during this uncertain time,” said Sonja Ronovech, district manager of the Red Cross Eastern New York Blood Services Region. “As an organization dedicated to helping others, the Red Cross embraces the ‘Practice Kindness’ mantra and we are excited to see the community rally around it, too.”
This campaign comes as the Red Cross continues to have an urgent need for blood donations. As hospitals schedule surgical procedures and treatments that were previously on hold in response to COVID-19, the demand for blood has increased. There is no known end date in this fight against coronavirus, and the Red Cross needs the help of blood and platelet donors to ensure blood products are readily available for weeks to come to help accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease.
Additionally, the Red Cross is now testing all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies for a limited time, providing donors insight into whether they have been exposed to this coronavirus. Donors who help support the urgent need by giving at this drive will be able to view their results 7-10 days after donation through the Red Cross Blood Donor App or at RedCrossBlood.org.
Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including temperature checks, social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff – have been implemented to protect the health of all those in attendance.
The free Ultimate Exterior with Tire Shine car wash certificate (an $18 value) may also be used toward service upgrades.
*Certificates for a free Hoffman Car Wash will be offered to presenting donors at Red Cross blood drives and donation centers in the following counties from August 1-31: Albany, Broome, Columbia, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Ulster and Warren.
How to donate blood
Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call
1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. 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 in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), 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, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% 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.
About Hoffman Car Wash
Hoffman Car Wash and Hoffman Jiffy Lube, along with their customer-focused professional staff, have been leaders in the car care industry since 1965. Based in the Capital Region, Hoffman Car Wash and Hoffman Jiffy Lube operate 29 locations throughout New York.