NEWARK, Del. – The inaugural Hero Day Blood Drive held in conjunction with a donor meet-and-greet for 9-year-old Caleb Quick brought in an outstanding 61 units at Newark Charter School on Sunday, September 8.
The blood drive coincided with the overall Hero Day organized by Naomi Quick in honor of her son, who loves superheroes, and in conjunction with Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Blood Bank of Delmarva also coordinated a meet-and-great held between Caleb and five of the donors who helped save his life during Hero Day.
This outstanding draw brought in family, friends, members of CityLight Vineyard Church, and general members of the community. The blood drive also attracted many young and first-time donors, further showing how inspirational it was.
Catherine and David Chapman were among the donors.
“I wanted to give; it’s for a good cause,” Catherine said. “I hadn’t given in a while. It’s been a few years.”
New Castle County Councilwoman Valerie George also donated whole blood.
“This is my church,” George said. “But, prior to that Councilman Tackett did a drive during COVID for Naomi’s son, so there was that connection. I also believe in donating blood 100 percent. Every time you are able, you should do it.”
Micah Beck, Debby Truitt, and Loren Deaver rested in the café together after donating blood.
“I’m a member here at CityLight, so they were hyping up Hero Day,” Deaver said. “And, it’s just a great cause.”
Added Micah, “My parents are members of this church. They told me there would be a food truck and a blood drive here today, so I came through. And, I’m an alumnus [of Newark Charter].”
Last, but not least, this drive attracted first-time donors such as Capria Kempista, Hannah Duzan, and Mathea Dunn.
“I always thought about doing it,” Kempista said. “I wasn’t planning on doing it today, but two of my friends were doing it.”
“We’re friends with Naomi,” Duzan said. “I’ve been wanting to do this. My boyfriend donates at Blood Bank of Delmarva every other week. And here I am, finally!”
