The other face of the pandemic: the blood shortage 2:44
New York (CNN Business) --
Krispy Kreme is giving away donuts to help combat blood shortages across the country.
This week, the chain is giving away a dozen original glazed donuts to people who donate blood to the American Red Cross.
The promotion comes after the organization recently announced that it is dealing with its worst blood shortage in more than a decade, with the organization seeing a 10% decline in donations since the start of the pandemic in March 2020.
To receive the free dozen, customers must order in person at a Krispy Kreme store and show their donation sticker or confirmation of their donation in the Red Cross blood donation app.
Donations to other blood donation organizations besides the Red Cross also qualify for the free dozen donuts.
Questions from the audience about the coronavirus: Can you donate blood after being vaccinated against covid-19?
People can find where to donate blood on the Red Cross website.
Many factors are causing the shortage, including the cancellation of blood drives due to illness and staffing limitations, and an active flu season.
Weather-related closures have also prevented some blood drives from taking place.
A rise in Covid-19 cases could also have contributed to the current shortage, according to the Red Cross.
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Last year, Krispy Kreme tried to promote COVID-19 vaccinations with free donuts.
In March 2021, the chain began giving away to encourage people to get a free donut a day.
He gave away almost 4 million donuts in his effort.
The chain went public last year.
The stock is down about 25% since its debut on July 1, 2021.
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