Some gifts never get wrapped, like a blood donation. Giving that gift means making time, showing up, and rolling up a sleeve.
This Thanksgiving, we’re looking back at the generosity our community brought to South Bay Ford Lincoln’s July blood drive. Hosted with the American Red Cross, the event collected 40 lifesaving units of blood.
Behind that number were people who took time out of a holiday to help patients they might never meet.
A Holiday Worth Showing Up For
The Red Cross gave our team a special thank-you for hosting on a holiday, when finding a South Bay location willing to hold a drive had been difficult.
Our community made time to give on the Fourth of July:
- 37 people came to donate
- 18 were first-time donors
- Seven successful Power Red donations, each collecting two units of red blood cells
- 40 units of blood were collected
Nearly half of those who came were first-time donors, making this drive an introduction to giving blood for many in our community.
According to the American Red Cross, the drive’s contributions could help save up to 123 lives.
Why Every Drive Matters
Earlier this year, the American Red Cross reported an emergency blood shortage in Southern California, underscoring the importance of community blood drives like ours.
Blood has a limited shelf life, which means the supply must be replenished regularly. Donations help support patients receiving cancer treatment, undergoing surgery, or needing emergency care.
We may never know the people helped by this drive. But making blood available when it is needed is the reason every collection matters.
Make Giving Part of Your Thanksgiving Plans
November fills up quickly with grocery lists, travel plans, and family gatherings. Making time to donate is another way to put generosity into practice.
The Red Cross notes that donations can decline between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day as holiday activities keep people busy. Medical treatments and emergencies continue throughout the season.
If you’re eligible, consider scheduling an appointment before your calendar fills up. Visit the American Red Cross to review eligibility requirements and find a blood drive near your home or workplace.
You don’t need to wait for another event at our dealership to give. And if donating isn’t an option for you, sharing the invitation with someone who can is another way to help.
To Our Donors, Thank You
From all of us at South Bay Ford Lincoln, thank you to everyone who donated and to the American Red Cross team that made the drive possible.
Whether it was your first donation or one of many, you helped make those 40 units possible. This Thanksgiving, we’re grateful for your generosity and proud to be part of a community that shows up for others.