Hundreds of people came out Wednesday afternoon to support the KMOX blood drive to honor our late colleague, Brett Blume. Brett los this battle to cancer in 2019 and the station has been holding an annual blood drive in his honor.
KMOX is happy to report that we collected 331 units of blood across our seven blood drive locations. Carol Daniel spoke with Red Cross Executive Director Beth Elders to hear more details.
"That's how meaningful it is to have seven blood drives in one day, to see to see the impact that Brett's making in our community after his tragic passing," Elders said. "And to see 380 or so units of blood collected is profound, to see a community really stepping up, rolling up their sleeves and making an impact and giving back saving lives."
Many of the donors at the blood drive told KMOX that they came out to the drive because they make a point to donate regularly -- and some said it was a new year's resolution. Elders said those are some of the most common reasons people give.
"Many times people have been impacted by blood recipients, whether they have received blood or someone they know received many units of blood," she said. "We know Brett received 36 units of blood, and they feel the need to give back because someone they know and love was touched by units of blood."
She said it's a way that anyone can feel like they're doing something to help.
"It's an easy way that everyone, regardless of age, regardless of physical ability, is a way that you can make a difference in your community."
Hear more from Beth Elders on the KMOX blood drive:
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