By Odalis A. SUAREZ

The Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Department held its annual blood drive on Tuesday. Held in the public parking lot of
the sheriff’s station, the donor van was parked, the tents were up, and the sign was out encouraging community members to stop by to donate blood.
This was the station’s third year hosting the blood drive. The station welcomed about 20 blood donors.
“[We have] at least two blood drives a year,” explained Deputy Sheriff Jorge Valdivia, who proudly wore his bandage indicating he donated blood. The station works with two organizations including the American Red Cross. This week, blood donor recruiters from Huntington Memorial Hospital hosted the drive.
According to its website, Huntington Hospital has been serving the community for over 117 years. “We are the only trauma center in the San Gabriel Valley,” stated Jackie Baca-Geary, a blood donor recruiter from Huntington. “All of the blood [donated] here will be used at the hospital.”
Although the blood drive was open to the public, sheriffs, including Deputy Sheriff Lucas Tapia, donated their blood to the hospital.
To show its appreciation to donors, Baskin Robbins provided gift certificates redeemable for one pint of ice cream. In addition, after making the donation, participants were offered juice and snacks.
Even though the van has
left the parking lot of the CV Sheriffs Station, more stops are planned. “We go out any time from three to four times a week,” explained Geary.
Their next stop will be this Friday at Carls Jr. located across from Pasadena Community College from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information call Huntington Memorial Hospital, (626) 397-5422.

  Crescenta, Sheriffs