Inaugural Ken Roos blood drive exceeds goals

By mid-afternoon, turnout was so high that the Red Cross had to turn away walk-in donors.

By mid-afternoon, turnout was so high that the Red Cross had to turn away walk-in donors.

On Wednesday, Dec. 5, SEA/SEIU Local 1984 and Temple Beth Jacob hosted the inaugural blood drive in memory of Ken Roos. By all measures, the drive was a great success and the 2019 drive has already been scheduled.

Ken Roos' family brought a collection of photos and mementos.

Ken Roos’ family brought a collection of photos and mementos.

According to the Red Cross, the drive collected 49 units – a unit is roughly equivalent to a pint – far exceeding the goal of 28 units. Red Cross organizer Megan Nantel said that those 49 units will help as many as 147 different people.

Ken, who died this summer after a sudden illness, was a regular blood donor and Red Cross volunteer – he helped with disaster response after 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina and served on the N.H. Red Cross Board of Directors.

We’re incredibly thankful to the dozens of volunteers, those who donated baked goods and door prize items, and the nearly 60 people who came out to donate blood.

The 2nd annual blood drive will be held Sept. 5 at Temple Beth Jacob. You can reserve your donation time slot here.

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