North East, Pa. (WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com) — Come out this weekend for a North East blood drive in support of fallen firefighter Shawn Giles.
The North East American Legion Post #105 — located at 17 South Mill St. — is hosting the blood drive with the Community Blood Bank in honor of Giles on Saturday, Oct. 14, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Community Blood Bank holds these drives throughout the year to bring good out of a tragedy.
“These are usually very well-attended events, which is amazing to see that support. So we are encouraging sign-ups at our website forhearts.org. If people want to walk in, you might just have some longer wait times. Also if they can’t go tomorrow, we are doing what we call great givers during the whole week at our Erie Donor Center,” said Dee Rosenthal, executive director of Community Blood Bank.
Walk-ins are welcome but spaces will be limited. You can register for the blood drive by clicking here.
Donors must have the following criteria to donate:
- Be at least 17 years old or 16 with parental consent
- Weigh at least 110 pounds
- No tattoo or piercing in the past 3 months
- Be in general good health and eat before donating
- Photo ID required
Shawn Giles was a volunteer firefighter with the Fuller Hose Co. in North East. On Aug. 20, Giles was on duty directing traffic at an intersection on Route 20 when he was struck by a car. He was transported to the hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The suspect has since been arrested and is currently in the Erie County Prison.
