CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Our annual blood drive held right outside our KIII studio was a success, nearly doubling last years numbers, we had around 60 lifesavers donate today!
Community members were with us all day, among them some our very own anchors, reporters and awesome staff, all to roll up their sleeves like this year's theme and, 'Be a Hero.'
First Edition Anchor John-Thomas Kobos explained why, but most importantly who he was donating in honor for.
"I'm donating in honor of my father," Kobos said. "He was a routine blood donor up in Houston, well a couple years ago was diagnosed with Parkinson's. He's unable to give, so I wanted to give in his honor, so that's why I'm out here today, hopefully making a difference."
The number donated nearly doubled last year's numbers.
We appreciate each and every one of those who donated and took part in this event.
Below is the story before the post-blood drive update.
Friday's 'Be a Hero' blood drive is your chance to save a life this Spring Break. Ashley Ramirez with the Coastal Bend Blood Center joined us to talk about the constant need for blood donations, especially during the holidays.
Every donation you make saves three lives. Ramirez says blood drives like Friday's are crucial when it comes to maintaining the blood center's supply of lifesaving resources.
"The need is always constant, you know, it never goes down. Unfortunately, blood donations do."
Kids and high schoolers make up a large portion of donors for the blood bank, and Ramirez says that students are less likely to donate during Spring Break, which means they have to be strategic about scheduling blood drives.
"They're not thinking about donating blood, and we're going to see tragedies, though," said Ramirez.
She says that accidents can always happen, especially during holiday seasons.
The Coastal Bend Blood Center is looking for all blood types to donate. They're hoping to receive more than last year's approximately 35 blood donations and say the closer they get to about 50 donors, the better.
Ramirez says the Blood Center appreciates the South Texas community and encourages everyone to spread the word about blood donation. You can find out your blood type 24 hours after giving blood!
People with all blood types can donate at Friday's blood drive from noon-6 p.m. in front of our KIII-TV studios at 5002 S.P.I.D.
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