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KIRKSVILLE, MO --
Many of you are doing your part to help tornado victims by simply donating blood.

There was a tremendous number of donors who turned out for the American Red Cross Blood Drive at the NEMO Fairgrounds Wednesday.

Red Cross officials hoped to collect 50 units, and definitely surpassed that amount.

In fact, all of the appointments were filled up before noon, and large numbers of people walked in to give blood.

All blood types are encouraged to donate.

“We encourage all types of blood donors because the only reason that we need O negative is because it is the universal blood type and then if someone is not blood typed or they don't know their blood type, we would use that but it's always good to use the person's blood type if at all possible, so we encourage everyone, of every blood type to come out and donate,” said Sara Rex, Donor Recruitment Representative.

If you’re interested in donating blood, there will be a blood drive Thursday at the Novinger Fire Department from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

There will also be a blood drive at the Missouri Conservation Department on June 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

You may call Sara Rex at 573-356-1218 to schedule an appointment.