Milwaukee County Zoo to offer Summerfest tickets and more during blood drive

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A three-day blood drive at the Milwaukee County Zoo's Peck Center is offering donors a fun incentive package. Donors will be able to enjoy free same-day admission to the zoo, complimentary parking and even two free tickets to Summerfest.

Donors will also have an opportunity to receive a $10 gift card to a merchant of their choice as well as a chance to enter to win a backyard theater package.

The blood drive, held in collaboration with the American Red Cross, is slated for Monday, June 26 through Wednesday, June 28. The donation center will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins will also be considered depending on availability.

The incentive, however, is not just about freebies: the Red Cross noted in a Tuesday, June 13 press release that there has been a recent decline in donation appointments, particularly from Type O donors, raising concerns over the potential for a reduced blood supply for patients in need.

Mark Thomas, Regional CEO of American Red Cross of Wisconsin, said, “Once a blood donor, always a lifesaver. You don't need a special reason to give blood. You just need your own reason."

Aside from regular donations, those with types O, A negative and B negative blood are urged to make a Power Red donation, which allows donors to give a concentrated dose of red blood cells during a single donation, thereby maximizing their impact.

Donations can be booked by downloading the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1 (800) RED-CROSS or by enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

A blood donor card or driver’s license, or two other forms of identification, are required at check-in. Donors must be 16 years old, weigh 110 lbs. and be in good health to donate blood, with minors also needing permission from a parent or guardian.