South Bend Medical Foundation offering prizes to March, April blood donors

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- There are still 12 days left to donate blood that will save lives while also being entered into the South Bend Medical Foundation's April drawings to win one of four $100 VISA gift cards weekly.

"In addition, 125 randomly drawn donors from March and April will be invited to Elbel Golf Course on May 6 to win additional prizes totally $3,000," said Manager of Blood Donor Recruitment and Community Awareness for the South Bend Medical Foundation Colleen Hahn.

"SBMF will randomly draw two winners who donate in March and April for two $500 gift cards and finally, there will be four donors who will be awarded door prizes in the amount of $100 each. Two additional winners will receive $250 in gift cards. Lots of fun and lots of prizes."

At Elbel Golf Course, a grid will be drawn on the driving range at and the golf pro will chip balls on to the grid which will match a bingo card.

Donors will receive bingo cards and the first one to Bingo will win $500. 

"While these are great incentives to donate, let’s keep in mind that the real reason to donate blood is that blood cannot be manufactured," Hahn said. "It has to be donated and tested before it can save the lives of those in need. Unexpected emergencies and accident, as well as individual health crisis events such as heart issues."

The South Bend Medical Foundation has three local donor centers: 3355 Douglas Road in South Bend, 1290 East Ireland Road in South Bend near Eye Care Express, and Sally Beauty Supply and 2222 Rieth Boulevard in Goshen.

There are also mobile drives open to the public.

For a comprehensive list of donation sites, check out GiveBloodNow.com or call 574-234-1157.

"Appointments are helpful, but walk-ins are always welcome," said Hahn.