File Photo Fort Bragg Soldiers and civilians enjoy food and fun at Sports USA.

As part of their annual “day of service,” the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Fayetteville West Stake supplied volunteers and donors for a blood drive at Fort Bragg’s Funk Fitness Center, Saturday. In five hours, their service yielded 104 units of blood that will directly benefit Fort Bragg Soldiers and their Families.

Stacey A. Dickerson, stake presidency second counselor, Fayetteville West Stake, said the 10 congregations across eight counties wanted to help Fort Bragg because the Soldiers touch the lives of everyone in the West Stake.

“We wanted to choose something that would unify us rather than put the needs of one community over another,” said Dickerson. “A lot of our members are impacted by the military. Helping Fort Bragg was an easy choice.”

Dickerson called Fort Bragg’s Public Affairs Office volunteering his services along with those of 200 to 300 additional volunteers.

“I called thinking that we’d be doing clean-up or something like that,” he said. “But, the answer that came back was ‘we need blood.’ So, blood it is.”

Volunteers at the church helped pre-screen donors who were then bused to Fort Bragg to donate a pint of blood to the Armed Services Blood Program. Angila Holmes and Adam Rugg were two of the volunteers assisting in the day’s activities.

“It’s a great way to help serve our local community and help the Soldiers,” said Holmes.
Rugg agreed.

“We knew that helping the military renew their blood supplies was extremely important and would affect all of us,” he said.

Connie Chavis was one of the many church members who showed up to gave blood.

“We are very appreciative of what the military does for us every day,” said Chavis. “Our church wants to give back and it’s good to know that we are able to help our military by giving blood. It’s a chance for us to repay their service during our day of service.”

Because the ASBP supplies blood and blood products to servicemembers and their Families worldwide, donations are always in high demand. Linda Ellerbe, ASBP recruiter, said that help from the surrounding community is instrumental in support Soldier and Family well-being.

“It is so nice to see everyone coming out to support the Bragg community,” said Ellerbe. “I’m happy we were able to be a part of the LDS day of service and I look forward to working with them again.”

Because one unit can save up to three lives, the 104 units donated during Fayetteville West Stake’s day of service potentially saved 312 lives.

For information on the ASBP or to schedule an appointment at the Fort Bragg Blood Donor Center, call 396-9925 or visit www.militaryblood.dod.mil/fortbragg. The center is in Building 8-2807 on Scott Street and open Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Walk-ins are always welcome.