Blood Drive Host

Thank you for your interest in hosting a blood drive! Below, you will find some resources to help you as you prepare to host a life-saving event!!

How to Host a Successful Blood Drive

  • 1. Reach Out to Local Blood Donation Centers

    As soon as possible, reach out to your local blood donation center to learn about scheduling opportunities. Each blood center has their own way of doing things—but most will be able to schedule you for a blood drive as soon as convenient for you. They will also help by providing promotional materials and answer any questions you might have about the process.

  • 2. Recruit Volunteers

    Blood drives are a great way to bring the community together around a good cause. You know your church family best, so be creative! Would the youth like to pass out donuts to blood donors? Would a musical group like to provide musical accompaniment to relax donors as they give blood? Would a prayer group like help set up and break down?

    The possibilities are endless!

  • 3. Spread the Word

    Starting 5 weeks before the scheduled drive, utilize as many modes of communication as possible to spread the word about the upcoming drive.

    Some effective approaches include: on-site banners, fliers, and brochures; social media announcements (on your church Facebook page, for instance); church newsletters; Sunday bulletins; and appeals from the pulpit.

  • 4. Use Faith in Blood

    If you have questions about how to connect your faith to blood donation, spend time exploring the many resources we have here. From short blurbs for newsletters to reflections on scripture, we have a treasury of material to help you and your church leadership communicate the spiritual good of blood donation.

  • 5. Get Commitments

    Two weeks before the drive, ask volunteers to set up a sign-up table on Sundays, before or after services. You can also ask volunteers to encourage their friends and family members to sign up. Another option is to offer online sign-ups through your church’s website.

Timing Your Blood Drive

  • National Blood Donor Month

    January is National Blood Donor Month in the US. If you aren’t located in America, check to see if your country has a national blood donor month. It’s a great time to join forces with donors all over the country to save lives!

  • In Sympathy

    During the grieving period for the loss of a loved one, many will host a blood drive in lieu of donations.

  • Feast Days and Other Religious Holidays

    Depending on your church tradition, it can be very impactful to schedule a blood drive during times of the years that emphasize self-sacrifice or the free gift of Christ’s life-saving blood. Lent, or the weeks leading up to Easter, are a good example.

  • World Blood Donor Day

    June 14 is a a special day to thank blood donors and encourage more people to give blood.

Resources

Below are a few printable resources to help you launch or improve
blood drives at your church

Why We Host Blood Drives

Religious leaders reflect on the good of hosting blood drives at their churches

“I know the importance of making a donation but I also know that God has asked us to serve our community. I feel that having a Blood Drive at Choctaw Church of the Nazarene is just a small way that we can be servants of the Lord. I know that my Dad has given over 19 gallons in his years of donating and he help saved a micro preemie almost 15 years ago. He has instilled in us that if we can help save lives through donating blood and I myself find it important to teach and show my kids this as well.”

Tonya Greenway, Donor Care Representative and Blood Drive Coordinator at Choctaw Church of the Nazarene, Choctaw OK

“Giving blood is important to First United Methodist in Yukon because our faith compels us to serve and give, among other things. Helping and serving others is in our DNA; and giving the gift of life is part of that. We believe we are at our best when we are engaged in making the community around us better and making life better for people. Christ calls us to do just that by his word and example.”

Rev. Dr. Kirt E Moelling, Senior Pastor, First United Methodist Church, Yukon

“We like to help people any way we can and encouraging our membership to give is a very tangible way. Maybe if Jesus were on earth today, he would say I was sick and you gave me blood. I know we have all had friends or family that needed blood so it is a way to help people give back. ”

Herb Schultz, First Baptist Church, Choctaw OK