The Friday prior to the July fourth holiday, the Abilene Association of Realtors (A.A.R.) always sponsor a blood drive at the Mall of Abilene, just outside of the Premier Cinema 6 theater. This year was no different, as realtors and those in the housing industry turned out to support the blood drive. Last year the A.A.R. collected 31 units of blood and their goal was to exceed that.

Nearing the end of the of the blood drive, Shanda Tijerina the A.A.R. spokesperson said, "My personal goal was to reach 50 units this year, and as we're winding things down they (the donors) keep coming in and we've already exceeded our last years totals. All in all we are very happy with this years blood drive, and would like to thank everyone who came out to support this worthwhile community event." This years first donor, was last years organizer, realtor Wayne Barnett who said, "If we do one unit more than we got last year, it will be a big success." That goal was achieved midway through the blood drive.

If you missed it and would like to donate blood, check the Meek Blood Banks community calendar for more upcoming blood drives or simply go to their offices located at 1150 North 18th on the first floor of the Cedar Mall Building.

Here are some photos from the event.

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