MASON CITY, Iowa – The North Iowa Bulls are getting into the giving spirit for the holiday season, and asking their fans to do so as well, with the announcement of the team’s “Pint For a Pint” blood drive, scheduled for Thursday, December 3 from 3 to 6:30 p.m. The blood drive will be held in the film room at the Mason City Multipurpose Arena, and is being conducted by the LifeServe Blood Center of Mason City.
This is the fourth year out of the last five that the Bulls have hosted a holiday blood drive – the team did not host one last season in the midst of their move downtown from the North Iowa Events Center.
Those who give a pint of blood at the blood drive will receive a free LifeServe t-shirt and a coupon for a free drink at the Bulls’ home game against the Granite City Lumberjacks the following night. Anyone under the age of 21 who gives blood at the Pint for a Pint blood drive will receive a coupon for a free soda at the concession stand during the game. Plasma donations are also needed at this time and will be taken at the drive as well.
Blood donations are especially important during the holiday season and winter months. Busy holiday schedules and poor winter weather conditions can have a major impact on donor turnout and the blood supply. The need for blood and blood products ranges from cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy to trauma and accident victims receiving treatment for their injuries, and does not decrease when our holiday commitments and plans increase.
Per LifeServe policy, masks will be required in order to donate blood, and masks will be provided to those who need them. Appointments are required – to set up an appointment to give, call the LifeServe Blood Center at 800-287-4903, text LIFESERVE to 999-777 or visit lifeservebloodcenter.org.