MARIA STEIN, Ohio (WLIO) — Donating blood can help save a life, and a community blood drive in Maria Stein is offering donors an extra incentive.
The American Red Cross is partnering with Winner's Meat Market for a blood drive on Monday, July 20, where presenting donors will receive a token redeemable for one pound of Winner's Whole Hog Sausage.
The Red Cross recently declared an emergency blood shortage after the nation's blood supply fell nearly 25% in June. According to the organization, blood donations have declined significantly since the end of May while hospital demand has increased. The shortage is especially critical for platelet donations, Type O positive and Type B negative blood, although donations of all blood types are needed.
The Maria Stein Community Blood Drive will be held from noon to 6 p.m. at the Knights of St. John Hall, 8608 State Route 119.
Appointments can be made by visiting www.redcrossblood.org and searching ZIP code 45860 or by using the QR code included with this story. Donors may also schedule an appointment by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
The Red Cross says every blood donation has the potential to help save more than one life and is encouraging community members to donate to help ensure hospitals have the blood products needed to provide lifesaving care.
Media Release from American Red Cross
The Red Cross has declared an emergency blood shortage after the nation's blood supply fell nearly 25% in June. Blood donations are urgently needed to ensure hospitals have the blood products necessary to provide lifesaving care without delay. The shortage is especially critical for platelets, Type O positive, and Type B negative blood, although all blood types are needed.
Since the end of May, blood donations have declined significantly while hospital demand has increased. Red Cross distributions to hospitals are currently nearly 3,500 units higher each week than expected, as trauma season and summer activities increase the need for blood. Summer vacations, busy schedules, and the seasonal loss of school blood drives have further reduced donations, creating a critical gap between supply and patient need.
One immediate opportunity for community members to help is the:
Maria Stein Community Blood Drive
📅 Monday, July 20, 2026
🕛 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
📍 Knights of St. John Hall
8608 State Route 119, Maria Stein, OH 45860
As a special thank-you, all presenting donors will receive a token redeemable for one pound of Winner's Whole Hog Sausage, courtesy of Winner's Meat Market.
Appointments can be made by visiting RedCrossBlood.org using Sponsor Code: KNOSTJ or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Additional upcoming opportunities to donate include:
July 21: American Red Cross Allen County Chapter House (Lima) | 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
July 22: Grand Lake United Methodist Church (Celina) | 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
July 24: New Horizons Community Church (Rockford) | 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Donors receive a free small ice cream cone from Willshire Drive-In.)
July 24: Lima Memorial Hospital | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Donors receive a Six Flags ticket redeemable at Cedar Point or Kings Island.)
Every blood donation has the potential to help save more than one life. We hope you'll help us share this urgent message with your viewers so patients in our local hospitals have the blood they need when they need it most.
