By Staff
ALL DRESSED UP Community Relations Director Bill Herring of United Blood Services, right, and WTOK-TV reporter Karen Reese get ready for Mash Bash an annual blood drive set for Dec. 28 in the ballroom of the Temple Theater. Submitted photo
By Sharon White/The Meridian Star
Dec. 22, 2000
Bill Herring, community relations director of United Blood Services in Meridian, will do anything to get someone to donate blood.
Co-workers say his dedication to the job is extreme.
Herring will be portraying "Klinger" during the upcoming Mash Bash a blood drive sponsored each year by WTOK-TV. The theme for the drive is based on the long-running television series "M*A*S*H." This year marks the fourth year employees of the television station have sponsored the event.
During the Dec. 28 drive, which will be held from noon until 7 p.m. in the ballroom of the Temple Theatre, members of the WTOK's news staff will also be dressed in M*A*S*H costumes.
United Blood Services officials say the Meridian area has been experiencing a blood shortage since the spring. They say holiday accidents, if they occur, could wipe out the current inventory.
Smith said donated blood has a shelf life of only 52 days, and it is difficult to keep what is needed on hand for routine uses such as elective surgeries.
O Negative and O Positive donors are especially needed.
During Mash Bash, donors will received T-shirts, pizzas and sandwiches donated by Domino's Pizza and Subway and beverages provided by Meridian Coca-Cola Bottling Company. Heilig-Meyers Furniture Company will provide a big screen TV that will be used to air M*A*S*H re-runs throughout the drive.
Giving blood takes about 40 minutes. Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health and not be taking antibiotics.
For more information about M*A*S*H Bash or donating blood, contact UBS at at 482-2482. Donors can also drop by the UBS office at 1115 25th Ave.
Sharon White is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. E-mail her at swhite@themeridianstar.com.