Tallahassee locals donate blood for Hurricane Harvey victims

September 1, 2017

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) -- Dozens of Tallahassee locals rolled up their sleeves Friday morning to help those in Texas.

31 people donated blood outside of City Hall; that’s enough to save 93 lives. The blood drive was hosted by the Mayor’s Office as part of relief efforts to help those affected by Hurricane Harvey.

“In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, we obviously as a community have been trying to figure out what are things that we can do to be most supportive in Texas,” said Mayor Andrew Gillum. “(Giving blood) is such an easy way that many people who might otherwise want to go and send their own shipment of things, which right now cannot be coordinated as successfully as we would like at this time, so we’re asking people to give blood.”

Although the main purpose was for Hurricane Harvey victims, donors all had their own reasons for turning out.

"You never know when something might happen to you and you may need the blood, your family may need the blood, your children,” said donor Laura Underhill.

"We're a community. And so it’s our job to give back what we can. Whether it's money, whether it's blood, whether its food, whether it's clothing. Whatever you have in excess other people may need,” said donor Martin Powell.

The Mayor’s Office has also partnered with Leon County Schools to collect items including bottled water, toiletries and baby supplies like diapers and wipes.

Donations can be dropped off at City Hall, the Leon County Schools offices, Chiles High School, Conley Elementary, Fort Braden School, Roberts Elementary, Canopy Oaks Elementary and Swift Creek Middle School.