Katey Dyck, of Fort Washington, makes a statement after donating blood at Chestnut Hill Community Association's Annual Blood Drive held on Saturday, Feb. 14, at The Vare Fieldhouse, 8000 Cherokee St., in Chestnut Hill. (Photo by Liz Bales)

by Sue Ann Rybak

“Yesterday was a terrific display of the kindness and generosity that thrives in Chestnut Hill,” said Chestnut Hill resident Liz Bales, referring to the Chestnut Hill Community Association's Annual Blood Drive held Saturday, Feb. 14, at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy's Vare Field House.

Bales said this was the first year that SCH Service Council students joined with the CHCA to staff the fourth annual blood drive held in memory of the late Teresa Garofalo, who died from complications from acute myeloid leukemia.

She said thanks to the SCH Service Council, CHCA staff, and 67 registered donors, Keystone-Miller Blood Center, an organization that keeps donated blood in the local Philadelphia area, collected 54 units of blood.

“I am overwhelmed with gratitude for each donor who gave this year,” Bales said. “I am honored to live in such a kind and generous community.”

She also expressed her gratitude to local businesses “who made the canteen table such a bounty.”

“Thank you to all who helped to make the 2015 blood drive such a terrific day,” Bales added.

If you missed the blood drive, don't worry – you can still schedule an appointment to give blood by going to www.GIVEaPINT.org.