Donating blood can get you free admission to Milwaukee County Zoo

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee County Zoo's 15th annual blood drive kicked off Monday, June 29.  All donors will get a free, same day ticket, parking and a gift bag. 

The American Red Cross says the coronavirus has created a desperate need for donations. If you donate, the Red Cross will also test for antibodies. 

"A nice thing about coming out to give blood right now is that we're currently doing antibody testing for coronavirus... so donors will potentially know if they've been exposed to the virus and in turn that plasma can be used to help treat coronavirus," said Lizzie Gill, American Red Cross. 

The event ran from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Milwaukee County Zoo's Peck Center. 

If you didn't catch the event, you still have Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Appointments are encouraged to help with social distancing guidelines.