The 26th Annual Carolina Blood Drive at the Dean E. Smith Center exceeded its goal by collecting over 850 units of blood this year.

Regional Communications Officer for Triangle Region American Red Cross, Lu Esposito, was exceptionally excited about the results of the drive.

“It went very well,” says Esposito. “We had the goal of 850 units, and we actually collected 990 units of blood.”

In association with the American Red Cross, UNC worked to collect blood given by helpful and generous donors from students, to staff, to individuals all across the Chapel Hill community.

Krispy Kreme, Chik-Fil-A, Insomnia Cookies, and Panera Bread, all participated in the event. These sponsors provided donors with their own extra delicious incentive, from cookies, to donuts, and more, for giving blood.

Prizes were given out to several participants as UNC was able to surpass their own goal by collecting the 990 units of blood. UNC and the Triangle Red Cross have expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of generosity to those who sponsored the event, as well as to those who took the time to donate their own blood for such an admirable cause.

“There is not substitute for blood. People’s donations are really the only option for a blood supply,” reminds Esposito. “We appreciate our donors so much and our partners like UNC that spend months putting large drives like this together, and collect almost a thousand units at one time, during the summer months when we need it the most.”