Goodwill Manasota, SunCoast Blood Centers partnership saving lives

Neighbors helping neighbors is at the heart of the missions for both Goodwill Manasota and SunCoast Blood Centers and, this summer, that shared commitment produced meaningful results. Across 47 blood drives hosted at Goodwill locations throughout the region, SunCoast Blood Centers collected 671 donations.

The partnership made blood donation more convenient by bringing blood drives directly to locations community members were already visiting. Shoppers and donors in Arcadia, Bradenton, North Port, Sarasota and Venice could shop, donate gently used items, and also give blood during the same visit. By integrating blood donation into an existing trip, the partnership helped make giving back more accessible.

That convenience was especially valuable during the summer, when vacations and seasonal residents leaving the area can reduce blood donor turnout, even as the need for blood in local hospitals remains constant. Maintaining a steady blood supply depends on consistent support from our community.

As a thank you, summer donors received $50 in gift cards, including a $30 SunCoast Blood Centers e-gift card and a $20 Goodwill gift card redeemable at Goodwill Manasota store locations. Donors also received a complimentary mini health check that included blood pressure, pulse, temperature and hemoglobin readings.

SunCoast Blood Centers is a local nonprofit helping ensure a safe and adequate blood supply for patients in our community. Blood donated through SunCoast supports local hospitals and patients receiving emergency care, surgery, cancer treatment and other critical medical services.

“Goodwill and SunCoast Blood Centers share a commitment to strengthening our community and improving the lives of the people who call it home,” said Tanja Malkovich, Director of Marketing and Community Engagement “Goodwill changes lives through the power of work, while SunCoast helps save lives by ensuring local hospitals have the blood they need. This partnership brings those missions together and gives our neighbors another convenient way to make a meaningful difference right here in our community.”

Goodwill Manasota supported the partnership by opening its locations to SunCoast Blood Centers. The collaboration reflects Goodwill’s broader commitment to working alongside community partners to expand access to resources and create meaningful local impact. Goodwill Manasota works with more than 100 community organizations to help connect friends and neighbors with the support they need while advancing its mission of “Changing Lives Through the Power of Work.”

“At Goodwill, we're committed to creating opportunities for people to strengthen and support the communities they call home,” said Melissa Carman, Vice President of Engagement at Goodwill Manasota. “Partnering with SunCoast Blood Centers allows us to expand that impact by connecting our donors, shoppers and neighbors with an easy way to give a gift that can save lives and make a lasting difference throughout our region.”

The strong response to the summer blood drives has led Goodwill Manasota and SunCoast Blood Centers to continue the partnership through the end of the year. The organizations plan to expand the program to additional Goodwill Manasota locations and explore opportunities to broaden the partnership into additional markets.

As of September 21, donors who give blood at participating Goodwill drives will receive a $50 Goodwill gift card redeemable at any Goodwill Manasota store location. Donors will also continue to receive a complimentary wellness and eligibility check at each visit.

Healthy donors can donate blood every 56 days. Anyone planning to stop by a drive should eat a healthy meal beforehand, drink plenty of water, and bring a photo ID. Both organizations encourage community members to make blood donation a habit rather than a response to an announced shortage because it is that steady generosity – not any single drive – that keeps blood available for the patient who needs it next.

For upcoming blood drive dates and locations, visit scbb.org/goodwill-blood-drives-2026.

About Goodwill Industries-Manasota, Inc.
Goodwill Industries-Manasota, Inc. (comprising Goodwill Manasota and Goodwill Palm Beaches & Treasure Coast), a leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to Changing Lives Through the Power of Work, proudly serves 11 counties on the east and west coasts of Florida. Goodwill's mission-integrated social enterprise transforms community donations into opportunities, providing training, resources, and support through our programs and strong local collaborations to help individuals obtain employment and build skills. For more information or a complete listing of locations, visit experiencegoodwill.org or call 941-355-2721.

About SunCoast Blood Centers
SunCoast Blood Centers is a nonprofit community blood center that has provided safe, high-quality blood products to hospitals and patients across Southwest Florida since 1949. SunCoast supports hospitals, healthcare facilities, cancer patients, emergency medical services and members of the U.S. military through blood collection, innovative blood services and therapies. With donor centers, bloodmobiles and community partnerships throughout the region, SunCoast brings people together to help ensure a safe and adequate blood supply for patients in need. To learn more, find a blood drive or schedule a donation, visit SunCoastBlood.org or call 1-866-97-BLOOD. Live here. Give here. Save here.