Thank you to everyone who came out Wednesday to give the gift of life and donate blood at our blood drives.
NewsChannel 15 teamed up with the American Red Cross for drives in Myrtle Beach at Coastal Grand Mall, in Conway at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, and in Florence at Magnolia Mall.
We exceeded our goal and collected more than 250 units.
Donors like Carolyn Ballington know how important donating blood is. "It's the season of giving and giving blood may save a life. Maybe my own, maybe my granddaughter's, who knows? It's all part of the season."
It's a gift that can't be replaced. There's no substitution for blood donations.
"I think the people feel that this is their way that they can give back to the community. With such tough economic times that we're all having, this is something that they can give back to the community that doesn't cost anything," American Red Cross Blood Donor Recruiter Meggin Heath told us.
Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. Currently only three out of every 100 people in this country donate blood.
It's a relatively easy process that will just cost you about an hour out of your day, and your one donation can save three lives.
Carolyn Ballington brought her 10-year-old granddaughter, Finley MacIver, who told us. "Eight more years, and I will be here."
There are many blood drives going on around our area through the holidays. To find one of those drives or schedule an appointment, call 1-800-RED CROSS or click here for a link to the American Red Cross Blood Services.
