By Katie Byrns

The American Red Cross Blood Drive, happening today until 5 p.m. is well under way. The Red Cross brought four donation RVs to handle the crowd and get donors in and out efficiently.

As of noon, the Red Cross is projecting that they will meet their limit for donors by the end of the drive at 5 p.m. There is still time to come out and donate, so head to the Grissom Air Force Base as soon as possible to get in and donate.

Patience may be required as the strong turnout has led to a waiting period before one can donate. Donuts, coffee, and hot chocolate are available to the donors as they wait.

Handling the donors has been an important task. Red Cross employee Brandi Runyan and Disaster Relief volunteers Terri Kincaid and Debbie Kaublb have spent their Sunday handing out T-shirts to donors and supplying the crowd with coffee and hot chocolate.

“We have had a great turnout,” Runyan said. “It was just what we expected.”

Kaublb chose to come out and help based on her experience.

“We knew there would be a need for volunteers,” Kaublb said.

The Red Cross also set up a children’s tent at the base to entertain youngsters as their parents were donating. Activities included coloring books and a bean bag toss. The Red Cross mascot was also interacting with the crowd.

The long wait hasn’t affected the spirits of donors Donna and David Bullick, Mary and Steve Rhodus, and Christy and Jim Clark. They all expressed joy at being part of a unique event to their town.

“It is cool to see that it’s not just on TV, but people we know in our community are a part of this,” Mary said.