NORFOLK, Va. — Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood, according to the American Red Cross. Blood donations are essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and more. Each year, an estimated 6.8 million people in America donate blood, and you could be one of them.
The Norfolk Sheriff's Office is helping the organization by hosting a blood drive on Wednesday. The event is free and open to the public. Appointments are available and walk-ins are welcome.
The Sheriff's Office shares that everyone who signs up to donate is entered to win a prize. Those prizes include gift cards to Walmart, Target, Wawa, Chick-fil-A, and Granby Street Pizza. Prizes also include free bowling passes and ODU basketball tickets.
Make sure to use the code "NorfolkCity" while signing up to be eligible to win.
Even if you don't score one of those prizes, the Red Cross makes sure donors don't walk away empty-handed. To spread extra holiday cheer, donors will get Papa John's coupons and festive Buddy the Elf socks.
The blood drive takes place Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Norfolk Sheriff's Office Administration Building on East Street.