58 ‘heroes’ donate blood

Fifty-eight Maricopans answered United Blood Services’ call to “Find the hero in you” Saturday, donating their time and a total of 64 potentially life-saving pints of blood.

The event was the sixth in the last three years organized by Our Lady of Grace Church and its Knights of Columbus service organization, and easily topped UBS’ donation goal of 43 pints.

Chuck Morene, one of the blood drive’s volunteer organizers, made the trek from his summer home in Flagstaff to help staff the drive, noting the “tremendous shortage of blood in the summer months.”

Eddie Herrera participated for the third time in the last two years. “I want to be a hero,” Herrera stated matter-of-factly. “I figure everyone needs some kind of help, and it makes me feel good.”

The next scheduled UBS blood drives in Maricopa are Oct. 10 at Province and Oct. 29 at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino.

IF YOU GO:
What: Blood drive
When: Oct. 10, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Province Community Activity Room
How: To register, call 1-877-448-GIVE (4483) or click here

What: Blood drive
When: Oct. 29, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino
How: To register, call 1-877-448-GIVE (4483) or click here


Photos by Scott Bartle