The Coastal Bend answered the call! The KIII \u201cBe a Hero\u201d Blood Drive welcomed 90 donors on Friday, topping last year\u2019s total and helping save lives.<\/p>\n
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas \u2014 The Coastal Bend showed up in a big way for the KIII \u201cBe a Lifesaver\u201d Blood Drive.<\/p>\n
From early Friday morning through the afternoon, community members lined up outside the 3NEWS studios to roll up their sleeves and help save lives close to home. By the end of the day, the drive brought in 90 donors, topping last year\u2019s total.<\/p>\n
For some donors, the reason for giving is personal.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt actually feels like I’m repaying – my older son received a lot of blood from people that donated due to his early heart conditions. So I’m paying back,\u201d said Johnathan Cooper of Ingleside.<\/p>\n
Cooper said he donated out of gratitude for the people who stepped up when his family needed help the most.<\/p>\n
Others say they give simply because they know someone may need it one day.<\/p>\n
\u201cI mean, in case I need it, I hope somebody’s there for me – so I’m there for somebody that needs it,\u201d said Ed Rotter of Corpus Christi.<\/p>\n
Rotter said he has donated nearly 20 gallons of blood, with just three more gallons to go to reach his next milestone.<\/p>\n
Organizers said every donation helps patients across the Coastal Bend who rely on blood transfusions during surgeries, emergencies and ongoing medical treatments.<\/p>\n
From all of us at 3NEWS, thank you to everyone who showed up and showed their heart. And a big thank you to the Coastal Bend Blood Center for helping make the day possible.<\/p>\n
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