Make an Impact to Help Save Lives! Red Cross Teams Up with PAC-MAN to Boost Holiday Blood Donations
Donors to Receive Exclusive PAC-MAN Collectibles from Nov. 17–Dec. 7
The American Red Cross has partnered with Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. to celebrate the 45th anniversary of PAC-MAN™, one of the most iconic video game characters in history. As part of this celebration, all who donate blood or platelets from Nov. 17 through Dec. 7, 2025, will receive an exclusive pair of Red Cross x PAC-MAN socks and a limited-edition Red Cross x PAC-MAN GASHAPON®, while supplies last.
A Critical Need for Blood This Holiday Season
During the final months of the year, the Red Cross experiences a drop in donor turnout due to holiday planning, winter weather, and flu season. This collaboration with PAC-MAN aims to increase awareness and participation in lifesaving donations during this vital time.
“The last two months of the year can be a challenge to maintain a strong blood supply,” said Darren Irby, executive director of Brand and Partnerships with the Red Cross. “We are thrilled to work with PAC-MAN to help encourage more donations during this critical period.”
Celebrating 45 Years of PAC-MAN
First released in 1980, PAC-MAN™ quickly became a pop culture icon, revolutionizing gaming and uniting generations of players. With dozens of sequels, merchandise, music, and TV series, PAC-MAN holds the title of “Most Successful Coin-Operated Game” from Guinness World Records.
“PAC-MAN has always been about bringing people together and spreading joy,” said Susan Tran, Sr. Director of Brand Development for PAC-MAN at Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. “We’re proud to celebrate 45 years of that legacy by teaming up with the Red Cross to encourage new audiences to take part in something equally rewarding—saving lives through blood donation.”
Why Your Donation Matters
Blood and platelets are essential for patients suffering from trauma, undergoing surgeries, or receiving treatment for conditions like cancer and sickle cell disease. Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs a transfusion.
In addition to the PAC-MAN collectibles, donors during the month of November will also receive free A1C testing, commonly used to screen for prediabetes and diabetes (limited to one test per 12-month period; fasting not required).
How to Donate Blood
- Download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App
- Visit RedCrossBlood.org
- Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
- Or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device
To be eligible, donors must be at least 17 years old in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed), weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in generally good health. High school students and donors 18 or younger must meet additional height and weight requirements.
Donors can save time by using RapidPass® to complete pre-donation reading and health history online on the day of donation. Learn more at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass.
For full details on the PAC-MAN partnership and promotion, visit RedCrossBlood.org/PACMAN.
