The overwhelming response to the deadly tornado in western Iowa has prompted a Sioux City blood bank to shut its doors for a few days. Siouxland Community Blood Bank recruitment director Susie Marreel says roughly 500 people donated blood, with most donations coming after the tornado struck Little Sioux, killing four Boy Scouts and injuring nearly 50 people.
Marreel says they will close early today and Saturday to ensure they have enough blood to last through the summer. Marreel says if everyone donates blood now, it will only last 42 days and they want to have a constant supply that lasts through the summer. She says it’s great to see so many people respond.
"We want everybody to know how much we appreciate everything they have done, the response has just been overwhelming and exceptional from the folks here in Siouxland," Marreel says. Marreel says it’s important to make regular donations to keep the blood supply fresh.
She says,"We want people to continue to honor that commitment of saving lives by making an appointment to donate blood next week, and the week after that, and then every 56 days that they are eligible after that." Murreel says for more information on donating blood, call your local blood bank.