Went to a blood drive in New Orleans today held to support victims of the New Year's attack -- the CEO of The Blood Center said it was the biggest turnout had had seen since 9/11. Around 60 people in line when I was there at 11:30.
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Overall, the mood was patient and upbeat. Donors were chatting, laughing, snacking on Zapp's potato chips.
"Everybody is in good spirits and wants to help," said one woman I talked to, Misty Baker.
I also spoke with Mandy Garrett, who said giving blood helps make her feel like something is within her power when tragedy is outside her control. "It's what I could do," she said.
Another donor, helicopter pilot Robert Stone, said when he heard the news of the attack, "the first thing I felt was kind of a pit in my stomach that honestly I feel all too familiar with." He thought, "Oh no, here's another one -- and it's here, it's at home."
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"Everybody is in good spirits and wants to help," said one woman I talked to, Misty Baker.