The South Bend Medical Foundation is facing a serious blood shortage this summer, and they’re sounding the alarm for anyone willing to lend a vein! According to Colleen Hahn, the foundation’s blood donor recruitment manager, they particularly need O positive, O negative, and A positive blood types. It turns out that while folks are sipping iced tea on patios, the need for blood remains as real as ever—not just for emergencies, but also for routine procedures like heart surgeries and transfusions for patients with chronic conditions. Now that’s a summer surprise we didn’t order!

To sweeten the deal and get people to come out and donate, the foundation is running a “pint for a pint” promotion this July. Yes, you heard that right! Donate blood and score some free frozen custard from Culver’s. It’s a perfect excuse to get your friends together: save lives, enjoy a tasty treat, and remind everyone that donating blood doesn’t have to mean saying goodbye to desserts. If you ask me, that’s the best kind of multitasking!

With the heat keeping many people away from blood drives, it’s time for the community to step up and show some love. Participants will also have a shot at cash prizes in a reverse drawing—because who doesn’t love surprises? So, the next time you’re about to recline on the couch with a tub of ice cream, think about how donating blood could not only save lives but give you a sweet treat, too. What more could one ask for during the summer heat?

How about you—what’s your excuse for not donating? Free frozen custard is hard to beat, so let’s hear your thoughts!