Ray Crothers Blood Drive kicks off in Manchester

MANCHESTER, CT (WFSB) – One of Connecticut’s largest blood drives was a success today in Manchester but with the constant need for blood donations they’re asking for help.

“It’s convenient but it’s also really nice seeing all the people here participating,” said Amanda Agresta, blood donor. “It warms my heart.”

The 37th annual “Ray Crothers Blood Drive” was held Friday, a day after the Manchester Road Race.

The event is one of the state’s largest single day blood drives named after Ray Crothers.

Crotheres is a popular Manchester Road Race champion from Tolland who died of Leukemia in 2008.

“The need for blood is constant,” Alissa Haightaguda, American Red Cross. “Every 2 seconds, somebody in the United States needs a blood transfusion.”

The American Red Cross of Connecticut and the Manchester Road Race committee worked together to serve patients.

“We’re relying on donors to come, take some time out of your day, take some time out of your Thanksgiving and give the gift of life this holiday season,” said Haightaguda.

Last year’s blood drive helped over 1,000 patients, and they’re hoping for the same success this year.

“The reason to come is because you save lives, you make a difference, you make someone’s holiday better,” said Haightaguda.

“It’s a pretty easy process and means a lot to people,” said Agresta. “We need that blood, it touches a lot of people’s lives, they don’t realize that so it’s a little something you can do that doesn’t cost you anything.”

Check out the locations for the nearest blood drives.

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