Blood drive held Friday to benefit Darbie Parks

Phlebotomist Samantha Willoughby and Diboll Police Officer Ray Anthony

A blood drive, sponsored by the City of Diboll. was held last Friday beginning at 11 a.m. The bus from Stewart Regional Blood Center in Tyler set up shop on the parking lot of the Diboll Police Department and shortly after arriving, Diboll Police Officer Ray Anthony boarded the mobile unit to do his part. "I try to give blood as often as possible," Anthony said as Phlebotomist Samantha Willoughby started preparing to collect the donation. Ray, along with many others 'gave the gift of life' in the name of Diboll Elementary student Darbie Parks. Darbie suffers from an illness that requires her to receive blood on a monthly basis.

Ms. Willoughly, a 4-year employee of Stewart said, "Any and all blood types are needed, but the one most needed is O negative because it can be used no matter what type the patient needs."

Stewart Regional Blood Center has six collection sites in East Texas including Lufkin at 2110 South John Redditt.