Generosity in Bel Air 'Awe Inspiring': Sheriff's Office on Blood Drive

A blood drive in Bel Air Monday afternoon was so well attended that the American Red Cross had to provide additional dates for people to give blood.

Buontempo Bros. owner Richard Lynch was the inspiration behind the drive. He wanted to do something to support those who need blood transfusions since his wife was recently diagnosed with leukemia, according to a statement from the Harford County Sheriff’s Office.

The sheriff’s office helped get the word out about Monday’s blood drive at the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company, where Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler was among those lining up to donate.

Related: Sheriff Asks Community to Join Blood Drive in Bel Air

Lynch told The Aegis his wife would not be the recipient but all the blood donated is going to patients in Harford County. Since being diagnosed before the Fourth of July, she has spent more than a month in the hospital and at one point waited 19 hours for blood, he told the newspaper. Because her needs were always met, he said he wanted to ensure others had the same experience too.

The blood drive was scheduled for 1:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 31, and that still wasn’t enough time to get everybody in, according to the sheriff’s office, which issued this statement on Facebook:

“The response to today’s blood drive has been overwhelming—so much so, the Red Cross wasn’t able to take donations from everyone who wanted to help. We’re asking that anyone still interested in donating blood, to please consider attending one of these other blood drives coming up:

Sept. 4, 2015 – Cook’s Volkswagon 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Sept. 5, 2015 – Plumtree Walgreens 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Sept. 7, 2015 – Upper Chesapeake Medical Center 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Sept. 9, 2015 – Richlin Ballroom 1:30 – 7 p.m.

Sept. 11, 2015 – Harford Memorial Hospital 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Your response to those in need is awe-inspiring. Your generosity is amazing and we are very proud to be part of this great community. -with Bel Air Police Department.”

Photo Credit: Harford County Sheriff’s Office.