New York Blood Center Social Media Campaign Aims To Drive Up Donations During Holiday Season

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- You don't have to dump a bucket of ice on your head for this social media campaign.

The New York Blood Center is launching its #blood4What challenge to engage donors and encourage others to give, WCBS 880's Jim Smith reported.

The campaign aims to have people post videos online in which they "share stories about why they're donating and share their pride in being blood donors," explained the Blood Center's Harvey Schaffler. "And I'm sure also we'll connect with blood recipients."

Listen to New York Blood Center Hopes Social Media Campaign Will Encourage More Donations During Holiday Season

Donors are asked to use "#blood4What" in their posts. Much like the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, which was widely successful this summer, participants can challenge others to donate.

Schaffler said the goal of sharing the stories is to encourage more blood donations during the holidays, when volume at blood banks typically falls off.

"We're hopeful that we will get particularly younger donors to begin a lifelong habit," Schaffler said.

For more information on donating through the Blood Center, click here.

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