Upcoming area blood drives August 5-7: Get free zoo admissions

Go wild about saving lives! Dickerson Park Zoo and Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO), the sole supplier of blood, platelets, and plasma to patients at over 40 area healthcare facilities, are partnering together to help boost the region’s blood supply for local patients.

Stick out your paw and donate blood at a local upcoming blood drive. Each donation can help save the lives of up to three people in the Ozarks. Successful donors will receive a voucher for two free general admissions to the Dickerson Park Zoo, valued at $38. Zoo admission vouchers are valid through July 31, 2026. No other discounts or coupons apply. Donors will also receive a limited-edition zoo themed T-shirt, while supplies last.

Community Blood Center of the Ozarks donors provide all the blood for patients at Cox Medical Center Branson, CoxHealth South Medical Center, Mercy Hospital Springfield, as well as dozens of healthcare facilities across the Ozarks.

●      Branson area residents will have the opportunity to donate blood on Tuesday, August 5, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. for the Branson Community Blood Drive at The Grove Christian Church Auditorium, 116 Pathway, Branson.

●      Kimberling City area residents will have the opportunity to donate blood on Tuesday, August 5, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. for the Kimberling City Community Blood Drive at Elks Lodge Community Room, 37 Beach Boulevard, Kimberling City.

●      Hollister area residents will have the opportunity to donate blood on Thursday, August 7, from 1-6 p.m. at Real Life Church Hollister, Fellowship Hall, 136 Hillbilly Lane, Hollister.

“We are proud to continue our partnership with Community Blood Center of the Ozarks to support their lifesaving mission,” said Joey Powell, Public Relations and Marketing Director for Dickerson Park Zoo. “Several of our animals are trained for voluntary blood draws as part of their veterinary care, and we are excited to share that Yona and Lil Bear are two of our newest donors. Just like our animals help one another, we hope this inspires our community to roll up a sleeve and donate for local patients in need.”

To help avoid wait times, appointments are strongly encouraged. Donors can schedule an appointment at https://www.cbco.org/donate-blood/ or by calling 417-227-5006.

Photo identification required. Please eat well and drink plenty of fluids prior to the blood drive.