Red Cross asking for help replenishing blood supply

November 1, 2012

A miniature Superwoman participates in the pumpkin toss at Pretzel Park. (Zach Shevich/for NewsWorks)
A pumpkin toss was one of the activities included in this year's fall festival at Pretzel Park. (Zach Shevich/for NewsWorks)
Children got creative with pumpkin painting art at Pretzel Park in Manayunk this weekend. (Zach Shevich/for NewsWorks)
Kids got the chance to paint pumpkins and parade around Pretzel Park in their costumes on Saturday. (Zach Shevich/for NewsWorks)
Who says Halloween costumes are just for kids? (Zach Shevich/for NewsWorks)
The inaugural fall festival was held at Pretzel Park on Saturday. (Zach Shevich/for NewsWorks)
The fall festival offered locals a chance to get our and meet with neighbors before hiding in their houses through Hurricane Sandy. (Zach Shevich/for NewsWorks)
Costumed kids line up for the pumkin toss. (Zach Shevich/for NewsWorks)
The Philadelphia Blood Donor Center at 7th and Spring Garden streets keeps busy steady trickle of donors wanting to help after Hurricane Sandy. (Emma Lee/for NewsWorks)
Ari Barkan and Julia Murphy of Philadelphia both gave blood to help replenish the supply after Hurricane Sandy. (Emma Lee/for NewsWorks)
Orli Gal of Philadelphia squeezes a rubber ball as she donates a pint of blood at the American Red Cross donation center. (Emma Lee/for Newsworks)
Donor collection assistant Bonnie Merrylees keeps an eye on things as Orli Gal donates a pint of blood at the Red Cross donation center in Philadelphia. (Emma Lee/for NewsWorks)
Donor collection assistant Bonnie Merrylees keeps an eye on things as Orli Gal donates a pint of blood at the Red Cross donation center in Philadelphia. (Emma Lee/for NewsWorks)
Orli Gal of Philadelphia squeezes a rubber ball as she donates a pint of blood at the American Red Cross donation center. (Emma Lee/for Newsworks)

Blood donors are in high demand as centers rush to replenish the supply shortage caused by Hurricane Sandy.

About 3,000 units of blood went uncollected in the Philadelphia area due to the storm, said Anthony Tornetta, communications manager for the American Red Cross.

He says, nation-wide it’s about 11,000 units, or more than 300 blood drives that were canceled.

“We’re definitely relying on the community,” said Tornetta. “It’s going to be a long process, it’s not something we’re going to get back in a day.”

Tornetta says the Red Cross is reaching out to potential donors by making calls and sending messages.

Orli Gal from Philly came in to donate blood because of one of the reminder calls.

“I really hope it helps people like the ones that were evacuated from that hospital in New York,” Gal said. “I can only imagine that their whole blood supply was ruined if their generator was broken down. I hope [to help] replenish that and help anybody who was injured badly in the storm.”

But Tornetta say it’s likely Gal’s blood will stay in Philly.

If there is a need though, blood units will be shipped to harder-hit areas.

In the meantime, the Philadelphia blood donor center is running on extended hours and to replenish their low supply.

You can go to the American Red Cross website to find information on blood donations or other relief efforts through the organization.