Ray and Maxine Coffey hosted the 12th annual blood drive in memory of their late son Kevin.
The Kevin Coffey Keep the Drive Alive Memorial Blood Drive has collected more than 3,800 pints of blood in the 12 years it’s been carried out. Maxine says it’s a wonderful tribute from the community.
As many people as this drive will help, it is only a fraction of what the Coffey family has been able to do over the years with a blood drive that continuously grows. Maxine expressed optimism this year’s drive would push blood donations even higher.
Kevin was a 2009 Manhattan High graduate who died in a bus accident in 2010. Kristi Ingalls, account manager for the American Red Cross, has worked with the Coffey family since the beginning. She says this blood drive has made more people in the community aware of the need for blood.
Spots filled up quickly for this year’s drive with organizers estimating they would hit their goal. The 2-day drive wraps up Friday at St. Thomas More Catholic Church.
