32 Church of Scientology Volunteers Give the Gift of Life, Capping Off a Successful 2010 for Florida Blood Services

Online, December 21, 2010 (Newswire.com) - On a recent blustery Saturday in downtown Clearwater, the Church of Scientology and Florida Blood Services had something big to celebrate. By 5pm on the 18th of December, a total of 239 pints of blood had been collected from four different blood drives throughout 2010. As each pint of blood can save up to three lives, more than 700 lives were potentially saved due to these blood drives.

"It has been a long-time tradition for us to contribute to the community," said Pat Harney the Public Affairs Director for the Church, who coordinated the blood drive. "Donating to Florida Blood Services contributes a very basic need that we have here in Pinellas County."

It is estimated that every five seconds, someone in the United States needs a blood donation, and only 5% of those who are qualified to give blood ever do.

The Church of Scientology in Clearwater has organized four blood drives a year, every year for 11 years. FBS has now collected nearly 2,000 pints of blood from the Church of Scientology - its staff, parishioners and public in the community who want to help others.

"This time of year is crucial," added Harney. "Because it is the holidays, and people are traveling and very busy with all of their events, blood donations are typically very slow, so the need is even more urgent."

Glen Stilo, a donor who has contributed more than 3 gallons over the past years said that as someone who is ex-military, he donates because he wants to make sure that the blood is there when people need it.

"It saves lives in emergency situations, and this is why I donate," he said.

Says Harney, "The Founder of Scientology, L. Ron Hubbard said in the Code of a Scientologist, that we are to "make the world a saner, better place" and this is one of the ways that we can."