Krispy Kreme Will Give You a Free Dozen Doughnuts for Donating Blood

Mike Pomranz
·2 min read
A dozen glazed Krispy Kreme donuts in a traditional box
A dozen glazed Krispy Kreme donuts in a traditional box

Pong Stocker / Shutterstock

Over the years, Krispy Kreme hasn't shied away from giving away free doughnuts — whether it's for celebrating National Doughnut Day, wearing a costume on Halloween, or talking like a pirate on International Talk Like a Pirate Day. And when COVID-19 vaccines started rolling out, the doughnut chain was one of the first brands to offer freebies just for getting vaccinated.

Now, this week, Krispy Kreme is significantly upping their commitment to trading free doughnuts for supporting our medical community by offering a free dozen doughnuts to anyone who donates blood or platelets until the end of the month.

On January 11, the American Red Cross announced its first-ever national blood crisis as declines in the number of people donating during the pandemic, coupled with poor winter weather, have led to the country's worst blood shortage in over a decade. January is also National Blood Donor Month, so Krispy Kreme has stepped up their support: Showing your donation sticker or a confirmation on the Red Cross blood donor app will earn you 12 free Original Glazed doughnuts until January 31. (Full details can be found here.)

"We're grateful for all that the American Red Cross does for our country and we want to help them. Hopefully a free Original Glazed dozen will increase awareness and even mobilize those who can give blood," Krispy Kreme's chief marketing officer Dave Skena explained. "We want them to enjoy the doughnuts with our thanks but also share the doughnuts while encouraging others to roll up their sleeves."

When the crisis was announced, Dr. Pampee Young, chief medical officer of the Red Cross, explained the current situation. "Hospitals are still seeing accident victims, cancer patients, those with blood disorders like sickle cell disease, and individuals who are seriously ill who all need blood transfusions to live even as Omicron cases surge across the country," she said. "Every community in America needs blood on a daily basis. At a time when many businesses and organizations across the country are experiencing pandemic challenges — the Red Cross is no different. And while we are all learning how to live in this new environment, how we spend our time, where we work, how we give back, how we make a difference in the lives of others — donating blood must continue to be part of it."

The Red Cross says that all types of blood are needed, especially types O positive and O negative, as well as platelet donations, and if there is not an immediate opportunity to donate, Americans are being encouraged to make an appointment for the near future. Appointments can be made via the Red Cross Blood Donor App, at RedCrossBlood.org, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).