Throughout August, Dunkin’ Donuts customers can receive free coffee and donuts if they give blood through the American Red Cross. (photo courtesy of Dunkin’ Donuts)

Local blood donors are in for a sweet treat this August. Dunkin’ of Los Angeles is teaming up with the American Red Cross to provide 12,000 vouchers to Red Cross donors in the region during August.

To thank donors who help refuel the blood supply, those who come to give blood or platelets I August will receive a voucher for a free medium hot or iced coffee and a free classic donut, redeemable at participating Dunkin’ restaurants in the Los Angeles area, while supplies last. Vouchers are non-transferrable and not redeemable for cash.

The American Red Cross has faced a concerning drop in blood and platelet donations this summer. Donors are needed to make an appointment to give in August to help prevent a blood shortage.

Right now, the Red Cross needs to collect more than 1,200 blood and nearly 3,000 platelet donations each day to support patients at approximately 2,500 hospitals across the country. The need for blood doesn’t take a summer break as hospitals continue to respond to traumas and emergency room visits, organ transplants and elective surgeries.

“We are thrilled to kick off our partnership with Dunkin’ and encourage individuals to give to help prevent a summer blood shortage,” said Jay Winkenbach, regional donor services executive of the American Red Cross. “As you finalize your plans for the summer, make a blood or platelet donation appointment part of them and receive this special gift from Dunkin.’”

Schedule an appointment to give blood or platelets by using the Red Cross Blood donor app, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1(800)RED-CROSS (1(800)733-2767).

“Dunkin’ is thrilled to team up with the American Red Cross this August,” said Jamie Struwe, field marketing manager, Dunkin.’ “We hope that by providing donors with a free medium hot or iced coffee and classic donut, Dunkin’ will encourage the Los Angeles community to stop by Red Cross blood drives and roll up their sleeve.”

To learn more about Dunkin,’ dunkindonuts.com.