Stewart’s Shops offers blood donors a sweet reward

As summer approaches and uncertain times remain, two simple activities are sure to inspire a smile: helping those in need and enjoying ice cream. This June, the American Red Cross and Stewart’s Shops will offer a popular New York treat to blood donors who step up to give.

For a fifth year, Stewart’s Shops is treating Red Cross blood donors to free pints of ice cream as part of the “Give a Pint, Get a Pint” program. From June 1-30, presenting donors at blood drives in 26 counties across Upstate New York will receive a voucher for a free pint of Stewart’s Shop’s ice cream or gelato that can be redeemed at any Stewart’s Shops location.

Since the “Give a Pint, Get a Pint” program began in June 2016, more than 21,000 blood donations have been collected in participating counties. This year, the program will include the Central and Northern New York areas for the first time.

“The summer season looks a little bit different for us all, however we are so grateful to continue our partnership with Stewart’s Shops and the ‘Give a Pint, Get a Pint’ promotion to recognize blood donors, especially during these challenging times,” said Sonja Ronovech, district manager of the Red Cross Eastern New York Blood Services Region. “We hope our blood donors can find a little joy in receiving a pint of ice cream or gelato as a thank you for rolling up a sleeve and supporting their community.”

This campaign comes as the Red Cross has an urgent need for blood donations to prevent another blood shortage as hospitals resume surgical procedures and patient treatments that were temporarily paused earlier this spring in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Red Cross must collect nearly 13,000 blood donations every day to help accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease. 

Gary Dake, Stewart’s Shops President and long-term blood donor said, “The need for blood never stops, even during a pandemic. We encourage anyone to donate blood if they can, and then come visit us to get a pint of Stewart’s delicious ice cream or gelato.”

Stewart’s Shops “Give a Pint, Get a Pint” vouchers will be offered to blood donors presenting at blood drives in the following counties from June 1-30:

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, schedule online, call 1-800-RED CROSS  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 Stewart’s Shops

Founded in 1945, Stewart’s Shops is an employee and family-owned convenience store chain based in Saratoga Springs, NY. Stewart’s is known for offering milk, ice cream, coffee, Easy Food, gasoline, and other convenience items. Today there are 336 Stewart’s Shops located in 31 counties across upstate New York and southern Vermont.