Shore Craft Breweries are partnering with the Blood Bank of Delmarva to save lives this summer with a Blood for a Brew series.
The breweries are raising awareness of the urgent need for blood donations in collaboration with the Blood Bank of Delmarva this summer. From mid-June to mid-September, participating breweries are providing coupons for discounted beers at all BBD donor centers and blood drives, hosting blood drives, and releasing a limited-time-only brew, “You’re so Vein.”
The Blood Bank of Delmarva is dealing with a local as well as national shortage in the blood supply. BBD hopes Blood for a Brew, also commonly known as pint for a pint, helps alleviate the shortage in a fun way.
Proceeds benefit blood center public awareness programs and scholarships for student leaders that partner with BBD for school blood drives.
Donors will receive a coupon for discounts on the charity brew and receive a commemorative tee-shirt. The tour kicked off June 9 at 2SP Brewing Company in, Aston, Pa and June 18 at Revelation Brewing Company in Milton, Del.
The next blood drive is scheduled for 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, June 25 at Camp Adventureland, 112 Patriot Drive, Middletown, DE 19709. Donors can sign up to give at DelmarvaBlood.org or they can call 1-888-8-BLOOD-8. The Camp Adventureland blood drive is coordinated by Brian Moores, Meg Etherington and staff.
“Camp Adventureland is honored to partner with the Blood Bank of Delmarva, our brewery partners, and community to help our friends and neighbors in need,” Moores said. “With more than 15 years in emergency medicine I understand the importance of blood donations and the effect a shortage can have on effective care. Come join us for this inaugural 1st “Blood for a Brew” blood drive. Donate life, enjoy some free snacks and beverages, sport your new free tee shirt, and receive a thank you gift from us.”
Each participating brewery has its own version of the “You’re So Vein” brew, including 2SP, Revelation, Big Oyster, Tall Tales, Camp Adventureland, Dogfish Head and Crooked Hammock. Blood for a Brew is proudly sponsored by TD Bank.
Among those coming out to the initial drive held at 2SP were Gerry Zell, of Aston, Pa., and Rebecca Rowe, of Wilmington, Del.
“I was at the brewery and I just happened to see the truck. I figured, why not?” Gerry said. “Plus I’m retired so I’m always looking for fun things to do.”
“I got vaccinated and was ready to donate again,” said Rebecca. “The beer doesn’t hurt. I got the communication from the Blood Bank last night and this worked out with my schedule.”
Each day 350 blood donors are needed to keep 19 hospitals in Delmarva stocked with the blood products they need.
“We are grateful for this partnership in which we’re supporting local businesses,” Blood Bank of Delmarva Director of Donor Recruitment Marie Forrestal said. “They in turn are raising awareness for blood donations and having some fun doing it after this difficult year.”
