KLOS continues its streak of saving lives in the Southland Blood donors roll up a sleeve to help those in need
33rd Annual KLOS Blood Drive Saves Lives
Aug 1, 2014 | 12:52 PM
Los Angeles, Calif. – (Aug 1, 2014) – The 33rd Annual KLOS Blood Drive wrapped up in Southern California collecting nearly 7,900 units of blood.
The five-day, 20-location event gave donors the opportunity to prevent a serious shortage for local hospitals this summer.
“During the summer months, with high school and college students on summer break, we typically see the donation rates go down,” said Tony Briggs, communication manager for the Southern California Blood Services Region. “A blood drive this size is incredible – each person who donated had the ability to help as many as three people with their donation.”
The donations are used at local hospitals helping patients battling cancer or heart disease, children fighting sickle-cell anemia, burn victims, and other traumas that require blood. KLOS on-air personalities were on-hand at several locations throughout the drive to thank donors, pose for photos and sign autographs.
Donors received a voucher for one of eight rock concerts from Live Nation, Nederlander Concerts and the Los Angeles County Fair throughout the Los Angeles area, a limited edition 2014 KLOS Blood Drive T-shirt and other goodies from local vendors.
The 2014 KLOS Blood Drive was made possible through the support from The Association for the Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs – ALADS, Perricone Juices and the Southern California Honda Dealers.
Nikki Williams and her fiancé, Scottie Resley helped kick off the drive at the Pomona Donor Center as 2013 KLOS Blood Drive donor numbers 1 and 2 respectively. Both were excited to know they helped lead this year’s charge.
“We listen to KLOS all the time,” said Williams. “We checked the date and planned ahead so we were able to come show our support and donate. We had the first appointment, and so we showed up bright and early to donate.”
When asked which concert they planned on attending, Williams was excited. “We are huge fans of Heart and Nancy Wilson is my favorite singer,” said Williams. Planning such a large event starts months in advance. The push for the next year usually starts the day after the current drive ends.
“The KLOS Blood Drive is unlike any drive we have in this region,” said Biomedical Services Deputy Director Christine Fleming. “There are so many moving pieces that have to be considered when we are planning. We’re successful because we’re a team – Red Cross staff and volunteers along with the entire KLOS family; we move as one unit to support the largest media-sponsored blood drive in the country. We are so thankful to everyone who participated and we look forward to another fantastic KLOS Blood Drive in 2015.”
About the KLOS Blood Drive
In 1981, 95.5 KLOS organized its first Red Cross blood drive at Los Angeles High School, collecting 250 pints of blood. More than three decades later, the KLOS Blood Drive has grown from a single-site, single-day event to a multi-site, multi-day event – making it one of the largest media-sponsored blood drives in the country. With the help of thousands of Southern California blood donors, the KLOS Blood Drive has collected more than 159,000 units of blood since 1981 for patients needing blood and blood products. 95.5 KLOS has been recognized with many prestigious awards for its dedication to the community and received the American Association of Blood Bank’s (AABB) prestigious Award of Merit for the Radio category in Montreal in October 2008. KLOS also was named one of five finalists nationwide to receive the National Association of Broadcasting’s Legendary Station Award at the Marconi Awards in September 2006. In 2005, the station received both the Service to America Radio Partnership Award and the Crystal Radio Award, marking the first time that one radio station has been honored with both awards in the same year.
How to donate blood
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross