By Staff
Event today at Smaw Road schools’ office honors Mark Woolard
By NIKIE MAYO, News Editor
A blood drive in honor of Mark Woolard, the PCS Phosphate employee who was seriously injured in a rail-yard accident last month, will be held today at the Beaufort County Schools office on Smaw Road.
The blood drive, sponsored by the American Red Cross and hosted by Beaufort County Schools, will run from 1:30-6:30 p.m. Walk-in donors are welcome and will be received at Building One at 321 Smaw Road.
Woolard, a Washington resident, works in the shipping department of the Aurora-based mine. He was critically injured Dec. 5 when he fell off a rail car and onto the tracks, according to Department of Labor spokeswoman Heather Crews. The investigation into the accident is ongoing.
PCS spokesman Mike Gwynn said he hopes residents will roll up their sleeves today and give blood.
Blood supplies in the region are critically low for six out of the eight blood types, according to a release from the Red Cross’ local office. Because today’s drive is being held in honor of Woolard, workers expect a higher-than-usual donation volume. They hope to collect at least 45 pints of blood.
To be eligible to give blood, a person must be at least 17 years old, weigh 110 pounds and be in good health.
The next blood drive in town will be held at the First Christian Church, 401 E. Second St., from noon to 6 p.m.