Red Cross collects blood, sends message of condolence Posted On: Friday, Nov. 6 2009 05:22 AM By Olga Peña
Killeen Daily Herald

While people mourned all over the country, some had cause to smile and be grateful.

For American Red Cross workers, it was sad day but one that spoke volumes about a how close-knit community can pull together in times of need.

Fifteen minutes before Red Cross offices began taking blood donations, hundreds were lined up, ready to give blood, said Angie McFarland, Director of Public Relations for the American Red Cross.

"We literally had hundreds donate blood," McFarland told the Herald. "It's truly amazing to see a reaction like this from a community of this size."

McFarland said blood donors were coming from all over Central Texas, including Temple and Mexia.

The American Red Cross provided more than 150 units of blood and blood products to Scott & White Hospital and Darnall Army Medical Center at Fort Hood to help treat the wounded, and received more than 100 additional units through the blood drive hosted Thursday night in Waco.

McFarland said regardless of reports about an overabundance of blood, people should still donate. "People should give what they have already been blessed with," she said.

Late into the night, the American Red Cross sent a press release to offer condolences for those killed in the mass shooting at Fort Hood, their families and the wounded.

"The American Red Cross has organized our volunteer force and gathered information to see how we can best support the community affected by this tragedy. In doing so we have created the following guidance for those affected directly or indirectly from this horrific tragedy," the release states.

Dorothy Pace, a licensed psychologist and disaster mental health specialist volunteer for the American Red Cross, assists on disasters such as the tragedy at Fort Hood and says that "what happened today was the result of a totally abnormal situation affecting normal people, and that people are affected by tragedy and disaster differently."

McFarland said that everyone should examine themselves to really consider how the tragedy has made an impact in their lives. "It (tragedy) affects everyone in different ways," she said.

Contact Olga Peña at opena@kdhnews.com or (254) 501-7541.

Upcoming American Red Cross blood drives

Killeen: Today from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 208 W. Avenue A

Waco: Today from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 4224 Cobbs Drive.

Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 4224 Cobbs Drive.

Bryan: Today from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 4201 A Texas Ave., South Bryan

Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 4201 A Texas Ave.