Oklahoma Blood Institute will hold a Bigfoot-themed blood drive with Kingfisher High School on Wednesday, Aug. 28.

The blood drive will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1500 S. 13th St.  Each blood donor will receive a limited edition Bigfoot t-shirt.  

Donors will also receive a coupon from fast food merchants.

Donors also receive a voucher for free admission to their choice of select theme parks in Oklahoma.  

“The legend of Bigfoot is not only fun, but it is a way to motivate our donors to believe in themselves and the real power of blood donation,” said John Armitage, M.D., president & CEO of Oklahoma Blood Institute.  

“One blood donation saves up to three lives, so your donation truly makes a positive impact for local patients and their families.”  

All blood types are needed, but O-negative blood donors are especially urged to give, as this universal blood type helps any patient, regardless of blood type, in an emergency.

Only 10 percent of people in the United States who are eligible to give blood actually do, Armitage said.  

Blood donation takes about an hour and each donation can save the lives of up to three patients.  

Whole blood can be donated every 56 days. Platelet donations can be made as often as every seven days, up to 24 times a year.  

Donors also receive free health screenings and Donor Rewards points, redeemable at Oklahoma Blood Institute’s online store.  

If donors opt not to take the t-shirt, Oklahoma Blood Institute will make a monetary donation to Global Blood Fund for blood center assistance in developing countries.

As a non-profit blood center, Oklahoma Blood Institute’s donors provide every drop of blood needed for patients in more than 160 hospitals statewide.  

Approximately 1,200 volunteer blood donors are needed each day to maintain the supply.  

Appointments are not required but can be made by calling Oklahoma Blood Institute at 877-340-8777 or visiting obi.org.