KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Families and individuals looking to make an impact this season gathered at the Raddison Hotel in downtown Kalamazoo to donate blood in honor of a former officer.
The 34th Annual American Red Cross Christmas Eve Blood Drive collected donations the morning of Tuesday, December 24th in the memory of late KDPS K9 Sgt. Lisa Zuk.
The department says that Zuk served as a public safety officer in the community for 14 years, before being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013 and passing away two years later.
Organizer Jane Emanuel says that Zuk was a frequent blood donor before her death, and the Red Cross wanted to honor the local hero by holding there seasonal collection effort in her memory.
Emanuel says the group welcomes all those who can to come donate and possibly save a life. According to the Red Cross, each donation has the potential to save three lives.
The holiday season is an especially important time for donations because blood banks find themselves in extra need, due to the higher rate of illnesses and lower than usual giving amount.
