The New York Mets partnered with the New York Blood Center to hold a blood drive Wednesday at Citi Field.
The donors, 680 in total, were all given a voucher for tickets to two Mets home games for the 2024 season.
The blood drive comes less than a week after the New York Blood Center declared a donor emergency following 5,000 fewer donations over the last three weeks, resulting in low inventory.
The Mets and the New York Blood Center hold blood drives together multiple times a year as part of a long-lasting partnership. They come together each year for a winter drive, which occurs during National Blood Donor Month, a time of year when blood donations often drop as a result of factors like school breaks, the holiday season, family vacations, holiday travel and cold weather.
The Amazin’ Mets Foundation also provided the New York Blood Center with a $80,000 grant to buy a new sprinter van, which was unveiled Thursday. The van will be used for mobile blood drives.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the generous New Yorkers who donated today, and to the New York Mets for uniting in our annual winter blood drive during this crucial time,” New York Blood Center Senior Vice President Andrea Cefarelli said. “Your life-saving contributions not only support National Blood Donor Month, but also provide crucial donations during the ongoing blood emergency.”
Those who wish to donate blood to the New York Blood Center can schedule an appointment by calling 1-800-933-2566 or by clicking here. Blood donors can give every 56 days and platelet donors can give twice a month. Additionally, those who wish to provide the organization with financial support can donate $25 by texting “NYBC” to 20222.
