MANCHESTER, Conn. — Donations made at the annual Ray Crothers Blood Drive in Manchester on Friday will help over 1,100 in need of blood, plasma or platelets.
The blood drive, traditionally held the Friday after the Manchester Road Race on Thanksgiving Day, collected 376 units of blood, four more pints than last year. That's enough to benefit 1,128 patients in need of transfusions.
“We are extremely thankful for the large turnout and the exceptional generosity of everyone who donated,” said Lance P. Morgan, a physician assistant and MRR executive committee member who coordinated the effort. “Their efforts, and those of the Red Cross, the financial sponsors, and our other benefactors, will help to save many lives."
Kathy Winters is among friends and family who support the Manchester Road Race and blood drive; her brother is on the MRR Committee and she's friends with Morgan.
"It's a small thing I can do to help. I haven't had any need of blood in my life but I know people do and this is just a small hour of my time that can help someone in a way that can't be done in any other manner," she told FOX61.
Winters has advice for those considering donating blood.
"The technicians are excellent and the nurses that draw the blood are very adept. It's not painful, and the actual blood draw doesn't take that long at all," Winters said as she was on the table giving blood. "It's a simple process, they're very organized here and they make it as pleasant as they can."
All donors received a Manchester Road Race t-shirt and refreshments from Highland Park Market. The Red Cross was also giving away pairs of FRIENDS + Red Cross socks to donors and will continue that giveaway through Sunday, Dec. 8, while supplies last.
The Ray Crothers Blood Drive has collected 8,634 pints of blood since the event's start in 1986.
The blood drive is named after Ray Crothers, who was a long-time participant and former MRR champion. He died from cancer in 2008.
Andrew Colley won the Men's division and Weini Kelati won her fourth consecutive race for the Women's division in the 88th Manchester Road Race on Thursday. Over 12,000 participants signed up to run the 4.737-mile-long race.
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