Give a Pint, Get a Pint, Save a Life.

For the past five years, we’ve been proud to partner with Lane Blood Center and exchange “pints for pints.” Community blood supply is vitally important, particularly in January. What better way for folks to help their community and those in emergency need than by donating blood and getting a souvenir pint glass in return? We sat down with the Lane Blood Center’s Program Manager, Casey to get the scoop behind Pint for a Pint.

How long have you been working at Lane Blood Center and what is your role?

I have been at the Lane Blood Center for a little over a year and a half. I serve as the Program Manager for Donor Engagement for South Western Washington and Oregon.

What is the most enjoyable part of your job?

By far, the best part of my job is getting to witness the incredible generosity from community partners such as Hop Valley. It really takes a village to maintain a safe community blood supply, and Hop Valley is a leader in their level of involvement.

When/How did the Pint for a Pint fundraiser begin?

Pint for a Pint began in 2011 as a fun way to get donors excited about donating during a slow time. Even though most of us want to hibernate in the winter, the need for blood is always there. In fact, hospital usage can trend a little higher in the winter, so we really need donations at this time.

What is the relationship like between Hop Valley and the Lane Blood Center?

It’s a very positive relationship between two community-oriented organizations. We immediately found a natural fit between the two and ran with it! At this time, Hop Valley hosts monthly blood drives in addition to partnering with Lane Blood Center for the annual Pint for a Pint promotion. Our staff and donors love the opportunity to enjoy some of their great offerings while saving local lives.

What impact do you see Give a Pint, Get a Pint having on the community?

January can be a challenging time for blood donation, so this promotion can really boost our blood supply at a critical time and save a lot of lives!

How many pints were donated during the last Give a Pint, Get a Pint fundraiser?

During last year’s Pint for a Pint promo, we registered a total of 3665 donors, which could translate into products for 11,000 patients.

Do people need to sign up in advance for Give a Pint, Get a Pint? 

We love walk-ins at both our center and on our mobile drives. Give us a call at (541) 484-9111 to learn more about where we will be in the coming month.

Are there any common misconceptions about giving blood that you can debunk for us?

Well, we hear a lot from folks who have never donated that they are afraid of the pain involved in donating. We are here to tell you that all you will feel is a little sting, and the amazing feeling of giving life to another person is very much worth any discomfort.

What is your favorite Hop Valley beer? 

Citrus Mistress.

Please note, limited-edition pint glasses are only available through January. Donations are always welcome, however, and after January everyone who donates blood for our Give a Pint, Get a Pint program will receive a complimentary Hop Valley Golden Ticket worth one free beverage (soda is available for our underage patrons).