The blood drives hosted by the A.D. Makepeace Company over the past year have provided assistance to 864 patients needing blood, according to a spokesperson for the American Red Cross.

The blood drives — hosted at Rosebrook Event Center in Wareham — began in May 2020 after the cranberry grower approached the Red Cross and Southcoast Health searching for ways to “provide meaningful assistance through the pandemic,” according to a company press release. 

“The need for blood donations was critical, and complicated by covid-related restrictions,” said James Kane, president and CEO of the A.D. Makepeace Company. “We found space where they could safely conduct the drives, assisted with publicity and gave time off so our own employees could give blood themselves.”

Monthly blood drives will continue through September, said Kim Houdlette, the company’s director of community relations. Appointments are required and can be scheduled at www.redcrossblood.org/give.

Viviana Dorch, a donor recruitment account manager for the Red Cross said the organization was grateful for A.D. Makepeace Company’s partnership. 

“With your partnership, you have helped to ensure that we are carrying out our lifesaving mission to support those patients in need,” she said.