Goodwill Manasota and SunCoast Blood Centers Collect 671 Blood Donations
The summer campaign brought 47 blood drives to Goodwill locations in Arcadia, Bradenton, North Port, Sarasota, and Venice.
MANATEE AND SARASOTA COUNTIES, Fla. — A partnership between Goodwill Manasota and SunCoast Blood Centers collected 671 blood donations through 47 blood drives hosted at Goodwill locations across the region this summer.
The partnership brought blood donation directly to places community members already visit, making it easier for residents to shop, donate gently used items, and give blood during the same trip.
Blood drives were hosted in Arcadia, Bradenton, North Port, Sarasota, and Venice. By incorporating blood donation into everyday errands, the partnership helped make it more convenient for neighbors to support local hospitals and patients.
That convenience is especially important during the summer, when vacations, travel, and seasonal changes in population can affect blood-donor turnout. At the same time, hospitals continue to need a steady supply of blood for patients undergoing surgery, cancer treatment, emergency care, and other medical procedures.
“Goodwill and SunCoast Blood Centers share a commitment to strengthening our community and improving the lives of the people who call it home,” said Tanja Malkovich, director of marketing and community engagement.
“Goodwill changes lives through the power of work, while SunCoast helps save lives by ensuring local hospitals have the blood they need. This partnership brings those missions together and gives our neighbors another convenient way to make a meaningful difference right here in our community.”
As part of the summer campaign, eligible donors received gift-card incentives, including a $30 SunCoast Blood Centers e-gift card and a $20 Goodwill gift card redeemable at Goodwill Manasota store locations. Donors also received a complimentary health screening that included blood-pressure, pulse, temperature, and hemoglobin checks.
Goodwill Manasota supported the campaign by opening its locations to SunCoast Blood Centers. The partnership reflects Goodwill’s broader commitment to working with community organizations to expand access to resources and create measurable local impact.
Goodwill Manasota works with more than 100 community organizations to connect residents with support while advancing its mission of “Changing Lives Through the Power of Work.”
Partnership continues into fall
The strong response to the summer blood drives has prompted Goodwill Manasota and SunCoast Blood Centers to continue working together through the fall. The organizations also plan to expand the program to additional Goodwill Manasota locations and explore opportunities to bring the partnership to additional markets.
For blood drives beginning September 21, 2026, eligible donors at participating Goodwill locations will receive a $50 Goodwill gift card, while supplies last, redeemable at Goodwill Manasota store locations. Donors will also continue to receive a complimentary wellness and eligibility screening during each visit. The official SunCoast schedule currently lists participating drives through October 2026. (SCBB)
Healthy donors may generally donate whole blood every 56 days. Anyone planning to donate should eat a healthy meal beforehand, drink plenty of water, and bring a photo ID.
Both organizations encourage community members to make blood donation a regular habit rather than waiting for an emergency appeal or announced shortage. A dependable blood supply is built through consistent community support—not a single drive—and helps ensure blood is available for the patient who needs it next.
For upcoming dates, locations, eligibility information, and appointments, visit the SunCoast Blood Centers Goodwill Blood Drives 2026 page. The current schedule includes participating locations in Bradenton, Venice, Arcadia, and North Port.
