'The need is great': Versiti hosts 24th annual Holiday of Hope blood drive in Milwaukee
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- For some, the day after Christmas is for eating leftovers or traveling, but others are choosing to save lives.
Hundreds are expected to donate blood in Milwaukee during Versiti's 24th annual Holiday of Hope blood drive.
"I just want to help people, and I know the need is great, so I just figured it was something I could do," said donor Angela Brandon.
This year's drive is at 3rd Street Market Hall on Thursday, Dec. 26 and Friday, Dec. 27, and at the Milwaukee County Zoo on Monday, Dec. 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Versiti supplies blood to 56 hospitals in Wisconsin.
They say there is usually low supply during the holidays due to busy schedules.
"A lot of people are out of town, so I feel like blood donation kind of goes to the bottom of the list," said Natalie Brown, the account representative for Versiti in Milwaukee.
It's a constant need, and that fact is motivation for regular donors, like Amy Theisen.
"I've got a lot of friends who I know can't donate. I've got friends who are diabetic, I've got a friend who has Crohn's disease. My dad used to donate all the time, but he's 89 now and can't donate anymore either," Theisen said. "So, I kind of pick up where they can't donate."
Everyone who donates Thursday and Friday will get a $20 3rd Street Market Hall gift card, a $25 e-gift card, and a T-shirt - but the real gift is saving lives.
"One donation saves three lives," Brown said.
"Right now, it's the one thing we don't have an artificial source for, so the only way to have blood transfusions is to donate," Theisen said.
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