January 2026 - ImpactLife

Featured Partner: Give Like Charly

Some blood drives begin as an idea. Others become a calling.

Give Like Charly is one of those. What started in honor of an extraordinary young girl has grown into a powerful annual tradition rooted in love, resilience, and community action. This year marked the fourth annual Give Like Charly Blood Drive, and more than 100 generous donations were collected because people chose to show up.

Charly passed away in October of 2022, but her impact continues. After first beating cancer at just eight years old, she inspired an entire community that supported her journey. When her cancer returned years later, Charly and her family chose to share her story so others could understand how vital blood donation is for patients facing cancer. Blood transfusions played a critical role in her treatment and gave her more time to fight.

For patients today, every donation given in Charly’s honor is more than blood. It's hope. It's time. It's proof that when a community comes together around a cause, lives are changed. Read more about this story.

two coolers with a sign that say "to from give like charly" at impactlife blood drive

Another Rockin' KSHE Winter Blood Drive

The KSHE 95 Winter Blood Drive is one of the largest blood drives in the country. Thanks to strong community response and dedicated hosting support, an incredible 1,914 units of blood were collected to help patients in need.

Winter is one of the most challenging seasons for the blood supply. Busy schedules, travel, and unpredictable weather can all make it harder for donors to give. Yet year after year, this drive proves that when an organization commits to the mission and invites people to be part of something bigger, the community responds.

For blood drive hosts, the KSHE 95 Winter Blood Drive is a powerful reminder of what is possible. When you open your doors, share the story, and partner with us, your efforts can grow into something that reaches far beyond your own walls.

Hannah Mansell's Story

Some blood drives are born from joy. Others are born from love that refuses to fade.

Hannah Mansell was known for her kindness, her joy, and the way she made people feel seen. That spirit continues today through the way her family chooses to give back and share her light with others.

One of the most meaningful ways they do that is through hosting blood drives. For Hannah’s family, blood donation is deeply personal. It represents gratitude, hope, and the chance it gives patients and families when they need it most.

The video shares Hannah’s story in her family’s own words. It is a powerful reminder of why blood drive hosts matter and how one act of giving can ripple far beyond a single donation.

NEW ASSETS: Heroes for Life

January 9 is National Law Enforcement Day but every day, our first responders save lives. It's why we created our Heroes for Life initiative, designed to bring together law enforcement, fire departments, and EMS agencies to partner for blood drives. And did we mention there's a limited-edition Heroes for Life shirt available?

Our Heroes for Life partners understand that saving lives starts long before the scene of an emergency, with preparation, community involvement, and a strong blood supply. Through Heroes for Life blood drives, first responder agencies open their doors and invite the community to give.

To learn more, find upcoming drive dates, and explore new resources, visit bloodcenter.org/heroes.

FEATURED PARTNER: Reds for Rich

Rich Gansheimer was an athlete, an adventurer, and a devoted husband and father. When he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, blood transfusions became a critical part of his care. For his family, access to blood was not just important. It was urgent.

That experience reshaped everything. It showed how fragile the blood supply can be and how deeply families depend on the generosity of donors and the commitment of hosts.

Reds for Rich was created to turn love and loss into action. Now in its third year, this blood drive continues to help other families by ensuring blood is available when it is needed most.

NEW ASSETS: Blood Donors Have Heart

At the heart of every community you'll find the best partners.

And just in time for Heart Month, we've created Blood Donors Have Heart, a campaign focused on supporting patients whose lives depend on a strong blood supply. Cardiac patients often require blood during surgeries, emergency interventions, and ongoing treatment. In fact, heart-related procedures are among the leading uses of blood products in hospitals.

There's still time to partner for a Blood Donors Have Heart blood drive at one of our locations. We provide all the tools and resources you need — from planning to celebration.

Learn More

NEW ASSETS: MLK Jr. Day of Service

This January 19 offers the perfect chance to give back. It’s MLK Jr. Day of Service, and our donor centers are available for blood drives. It’s a simple way to make a big impact.

By teaming up with us for a blood drive at our centers, you can help save lives in our community. We make it easy and provide all the tools and resources you need — from planning to celebration.

Let’s create something powerful together. We’d love to explore how a blood drive with your organization can make a real difference this MLK Jr. Day of Service. Find all the promotional resources you need to help share the message and encourage participation here.

"Thank You. Your donation allowed a new mother to survive. You impacted three lives; the mother, the baby and the father."

Thank the Donor allows blood recipients to send a personal message to the specific donor whose blood helped them. These messages, often shared with photos, create a powerful connection between donor and patient and remind donors that their gift reached a real person.

Partners for Life Newsletter: January 2026