Providence Performing Arts Center To Host Community Blood Drive With Rhode Island Blood Center

The Providence Performing Arts Center will host a community blood drive in partnership with Rhode Island Blood Center and WPRI as part of an ongoing effort to support regional hospital needs.

The blood drive will take place on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in PPAC’s Marquee Room on the third floor of the theatre, located at 220 Weybosset Street in Providence. Complimentary parking will be available on Page Street. Appointments are encouraged and can be scheduled in advance at ribc.org/arts, with limited walk-in availability on the day of the drive.

Donors who participate will receive a $10 PieZoni’s gift card and a bag of Marylou’s Coffee, while supplies last. Winter months historically see a decline in blood donations, despite continued demand from hospitals and healthcare providers. Each donation can help save up to three lives and is typically ready for patient use within one to two days.

Alan J. Chille, President and CEO of the Providence Performing Arts Center, said PPAC is pleased to support the Rhode Island Blood Center during a critical period of need and encouraged community members to schedule appointments ahead of time.

Glenn Halvarson, Account Manager at the Rhode Island Blood Center, emphasized the importance of community-hosted blood drives, noting that partnerships with organizations such as PPAC and WPRI play a vital role in maintaining a stable blood supply across the region.

Katharine Ciszewski, Director of Sales at WPRI, added that the station is proud to help raise awareness for the drive and encourage broad participation in the lifesaving initiative.

Founded in 1979, the Rhode Island Blood Center provides more than 90,000 blood products annually to hospitals and healthcare partners throughout Rhode Island and New England. RIBC is part of New York Blood Center Enterprises, which serves hospitals in more than 17 states nationwide.

The Providence Performing Arts Center presents touring Broadway productions, concerts, comedy, and special events, while also maintaining a strong commitment to education and community engagement across Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts.