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South Florida hosts blood drive for Orlando shooting victims

HOLLYWOOD, FLA. (WSVN) - South Florida is showing its support by donating blood after a mass shooting at an Orlando gay club took the lives of 49 and injured 53, Sunday.

Outpourings of love and support took place hours after the shootings in Orlando, and South Florida is no different. Hundreds gathered, Monday, to donate blood at a drive in Hollywood. “Well, I know I’m type O, so I know my blood definitely helps out with a lot of people,” said Vanessa Gaspard.

Gaspard is just one of many who made their way to North 29th Avenue and helped in anyway they could. “I have family in Orlando and friends in Orlando — thank God they’re OK — but how about the people who aren’t OK?” she said.

Cox Media Group joined forces with OneBlood to draw out the help of the community. “You have a lot of tragedies in life, and people want to do something, but here’s something,” said radio host Tom Joyner. “There’s so many people still in surgery, still needing more surgery, so you need more blood.”

Along with the call-to-action, there are still tears and prayers. “We must not let the hate win. We cannot let the terrorists win. We cannot let them affect how we live our daily lives,” said U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Dem.-Fla.

There has been an overwhelming message of togetherness and love. “Well, I just think it’s important that we all come together as a community. Love will win in the end, and we all do what we can to support our neighbors and family in Orlando,” said Rob Babin of the Cox Media Group.

The blood drive will continue until 7 p.m. Monday.

http://wsvn.com/news/local/south-florida-hosts-blood-drive-for-orlando-shooting-victims/