The totals are in and the first Fox Carolina Give Blood Carolina blood drive was a big success, collecting more than 100 units of blood for the South Carolina and North Carolina chapters of the American Red Cross. The blood will help as many as 300 people in the upstate of South Carolina and the mountain region of western North Carolina.

The Red Cross approached Fox Carolina (WHNS-TV), asking for help with a blood shortage in the area. As a station with a strong connection to the communities it serves, Fox Carolina General Manager Bryce Caldwell immediately said yes.

“This fits our brand statement, Committed to You, perfectly,” says Caldwell. We’re honored the Red Cross asked us to lead the way and were very pleased with the response from the community.”

The station created an online registration page on foxcarolina.com. Several days beforehand, Fox Carolina aired promos and news announcements encouraging viewers to register and participate.

On March 10 the Fox Carolina Give Blood Carolina drive collected blood at a total of five different locations in the viewing area, including at the station itself where several employees donated blood. The Fox Carolina news team and on-air personalities provided live coverage that showcased the effort. This included heartwarming stories on local families who have been helped by the blood provided by donors to the American Red Cross. Employees from every department also volunteered at each donation site.

“This is the way our new owners with Gray Television want stations to operate---to make a tangible difference locally. We are proud to be part of this effort and look forward to many more,” says Caldwell.