The American Red Cross is offering a $10 movie theater gift card to all blood donors during the month of August. Donors are able to select a movie theater of their choice and will receive an electronic gift card after they give blood.

The initiative comes after the nonprofit reportedly has experienced a shortfall of about 25,000 blood donations since June. The decreasing donation numbers is concerning because blood is needed in hospitals across the country, and the Red Cross supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood.

Red Cross representatives have expressed a specific need for type O negative, type O positive, type B negative and type A negative blood donors and platelet donors. Donors also can be notified of their blood types after donating upon request.

A blood donor card, driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. People who are 17 years old — 16 with parental consent where allowed by state law — weigh at least 110 pounds and are in good health can be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-733-2767.

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