Joplin, Missouri – January 2, 2025 – Start the new year by making a difference in your community. Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO) invites you to join the 56-Day Challenge in 2025. Commit to donating blood regularly, save lives, and earn a chance to win up to $56,000 in Visa gift cards, sponsored by Adam Swenka with Flat Branch Home Loans and The Giving Branch.
To Participate:
- Sign up online by February 28 at www.cbco.org/2025-56-day/
- Donate whole blood at any CBCO donor center or blood drives throughout 2025
There will be 11 monthly prize drawings starting in March 2025 and going through January 2026. The more times a donor gives in 2025, the more entries they earn and the more money they can win, up to $56,000.
“Most people don’t realize they can donate blood every 56 days,” said Michelle Teter, CBCO Media Relations Representative. “If everyone who donates just once a year gave one additional time, that could help avoid any local blood shortages and ensure a strong blood supply for our communities. The 56-Day Challenge highlights how easy it is to save lives consistently while offering donors a chance to win incredible prizes. Start the year strong by giving the ultimate gift—lifesaving blood.”
Donors in January and February will also receive a cozy pullover hoodie, while supplies last.
For sponsor Adam Swenka of Flat Branch Home Loans, this cause is deeply personal. His daughter, Joselina, needed life-saving blood transfusions as a newborn. Today, she’s thriving thanks to donors who gave selflessly. “You never know when someone you love will need blood,” Swenka shared. “This challenge is a great way to encourage donors to step up and give more frequently. If we all gave just one extra time, we could eliminate blood shortages. Together, we have the power to prevent that.”
Patients at 45 Ozarks hospitals rely on CBCO donors to supply all their blood needs. Join the challenge and make a lifesaving impact in your community.
Please consider scheduling a blood donation. Find a blood drive or donor center near you and make an appointment to give at www.cbco.org/2025-56-day/ or by calling 417-227-5006.
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About Community Blood Center of the Ozarks
Community Blood Center of the Ozarks celebrates 30 years of life-saving service. Founded in 1995, Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO) is the exclusive provider of blood, platelets, and plasma to over 40 hospitals across southwest Missouri, northwest Arkansas, and southeast Kansas. For nearly 30 years, CBCO has proudly served the region, ensuring that local patients receive the critical, life-saving blood products they need. As we celebrate our 30th anniversary in 2025, we remain committed to our mission of saving lives, made possible through the generosity and support of our community’s blood donors, donor groups and community partners. To learn more, visit CBCO.org.
Submitted By:
Michelle Teter
Media Relations Representative
Community Blood Center of the Ozarks
417-224-4898
teterm@cbco.org
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