By Elisa Plata, American Red Cross volunteer

Blood donors give the precious gift of life each time they roll up a sleeve to donate - but why do they do it? Is it to feel as if we are making a difference? Or just so we can wear that cute little pin that announces to our neighbors and coworkers that we are generous, having given blood?

No. We do it because, quite simply, donating blood saves lives.

Let's all be heroes!

Dole recently sponsored an amazing event in conjunction with National Pineapple Day that took place on Tuesday, June 27. Dole’s "Pine for a Pint" Blood Drive was held at the Broadway Pier in San Diego and offered blood donors a pineapple in thanks for their blood donation. 

"When I found that Red Cross was having community events we definitely wanted to be involved; we are always interested in supporting communities with events that have a good purpose,” said Dole representative Sarah Marsh. "This is why it is important for Dole to sponsor and to reach through community events and what a better opportunity to celebrate together than National Pineapple Day, which is celebrated on June 27 of every year.”

Many blood donors in attendance were proud to support Dole and attend their blood drive. “Dole has been a great partner with the harbor, and I came here to support them and to donate blood” said Josefina Khalidy, with the Port of San Diego.

Other donors were excited to celebrate National Pineapple Day. “Actually, my wife told me about today’s event, and I am here for blood donation because is a great way to contribute to our community, contribute with the world…plus I want a pineapple!” said blood donor Jose Garcia.

When you donate blood, it will be given to someone who needs it through a transfusion. Every day, blood donors help patients of all ages: accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those battling cancer. It’s very important to donate blood because every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. The Red Cross supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood, and the organization depends on the generosity of blood donors to help save lives.

Roll up a sleeve to help save lives. Eligible individuals are encouraged to schedule a blood or platelet donation appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor app, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).