firefighters blood drive

By BETH LAKEY

Staff Writer

Tuesday’s American Red Cross blood drive, sponsored by the Pike County Firefighters Association, was an "overwhelming" success.

The goal of collecting 50 units was apparently too low because 78 pints were collected.

"We are happy we surpassed our goal," said Rhonda Miley of the Goshen Fire Department.

"We are proud of the overwhelming response by both donors and volunteer workers."

As a matter of fact, response was so good people had to be turned away because the doors had to close, said Jane Thrash, community development specialist for the Pike County Chapter of the American Red Cross.

She said 95 people signed up to give and those who were late, were urged to participate in the next one scheduled for Oct. 4 at Lockheed Martin Pike County Operations.

"It was above average," Thrash said of what is normally one of the smaller blood drives. "I thought we did well."

There will be plenty of opportunities for those who could not make it to First Baptist Church Tuesday afternoon.

"We want to keep our blood drives at every two weeks so we can keep our blood supply ready," Thrash said.

The Pike County Chapter of the American Red Cross, which is a United Way agency, has periodic blood drives as well as many other things. The Red Cross offers support to military families in need of contacting those oversees in the event of emergencies, helps those who have lost homes and belongings to fire and other disasters and educates citizens in CPR and first aid.