Pine for a Pint Blood Drive

It’s National Pineapple Day and Dole Food Company is celebrating by giving back.

One of the world’s largest pineapple providers is offering a free Dole pineapple to anyone participating in their National Pineapple Day Blood Drive.

Located at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in Gulfport, Dole has partnered with the American Red Cross for the ‘Pine for a Pint’ blood drive.

‘Pine for a Pint’ is a part of Dole’s mission to make the world a healthier place. Dole Terminal Manger Kelby Cuevas said, “Dole’s mission is to make the world a healthier place, so we wanted to extend that to the community today by offering a pineapple for a pint of blood. We’ve partnered with the American Red Cross here locally, and it’s been a great partnership.”

Senior Account Manager for the American Red Cross Denise Smith said, “It’s a sweet treat for something that is just the most kind act that somebody can do which is giving their gift of life. Giving their unit of blood can help save multiple patients. It can help save babies. It can help somebody’s grandmother or grandfather. You never know who it’s going to save, but you know at the end of your donation that you’re making that difference in helping save a life.”

MGCCC Dean of Student Services Zach Moulds said, “I think it’s great. We’re always happy when the American Red Cross and Dole show up. They bring pineapples and bananas and all kinds of good stuff and it helps us encourage students and the community to come be a part of the campus and just get familiar with what we’re doing here at the college.”

Gulfport is one of the eight Dole business communities taking part in the blood drive today.