Big turnout of donors help refill critically low blood supplies during News Channel Day of Service Blood Drive

SANTA MARIA, Calif. -- A big turnout of donors helped refill critically low supplies during the Fifth Annual News Channel Day of Service Blood Drive on Monday.

The event is held in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, with News Channel partnering with Vitalant to host blood drives at the San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria, and Santa Barbara Vitalant locations.

With Vitalant recently declaring an emergency blood shortage, this year's blood drive was especially important.

Vitalant reports there is currently only enough blood on supply shelves to last through one day. The goal is to have enough blood to last four days, so supplies are at a critically low level.

In Santa Maria, the Vitalant blood center was buzzing with activity all day long. Beginning at noon, a continuous amount of donors helped fill many bags of blood and platelets.

"It's nice," said second-time donor Kezia Olson. "It kind of gives peace of mind that you're helping your community, as well as living here in this community knowing if I ever needed to go to the hospital and get blood, I know I've also helped give back the blood."

Many of the donors said they specifically made appointments after hearing recent announcements regarding the local blood emergency.

"My family members have needed it before, so that's what brings me in here," said donor Eddie Hernandez. "It makes me feel good. I've always like to give back to the community, so that's another reason why I'm here."

In Santa Barbara, Vitalant reported more than 80 donors took part, filling every available appointment slot for the entire day.

Dozens more donated in San Luis Obispo, bringing the total amount of donors at all three locations to more than 150 people.

"The more, the merrier," said donor Robert Bates. "It's easy. Just a half an hour of your time. You can save, what, I think three people's lives, you know, what more can you ask for?"

To schedule an appointment for a future donation, click here for the Vitalant website.