Weekend Blood Drive Rocked and Rolled

After a series of winter storms left the American Red Cross in desperate need of blood, they knew just where to turn; they partnered with Baltimore rock radio station 98 Rock to host a blood drive in Parkville.

"It was sort of a perfect storm—Parkville usually responds really well to our blood drives, and it's an area where there are a ton of 98 Rock listeners," said Katie Turner, a spokeswoman for the American Red Cross.

According to Turner, Saturday's blood drive, which was held at the American Legion on Putty Hill Avenue, yielded 288 units of blood.  "The schedule was totally packed all day. We're always grateful to have it that way," said Turner.

Unfortunately, that meant that the drive couldn't accept walk-ins, and people had to be turned away. 

Valerie Schuchardt, 34, wasn't one of those people—she made an appointment and was able to give her blood.  She explained that giving blood was something you could do that didn't take much effort but really helped someone else.

Schuchardt's daughter, Dannin, watched as her mother's blood was drawn and asked questions to the Red Cross volunteer. 

"My daughter comes with me every time I give—about every eight weeks," said Schuchardt. Asked why she gives so frequently, she shot a confused look and replied, "Why not?"

Pete Virts, 36, had an appointment to give blood but was unable to for health reasons—however, his wife Tonia, 39, was able to. 

"We just heard about it on the radio—I thought it was a good cause," Virts said.

The American Red Cross is currently on appeal after having to cancel blood drives across the country because of the wintry weather during the last two months.  According to a spokesperson, their goal is to collect 1,000 units of blood from around the region every day. 

The Red Cross Greater Chesapeake & Potomac Region includes Maryland, DC, Virginia and parts of Pennsylvania.

"Overall, we were really pleased with how this turned out," said Turner.