SULFUR, Okla. (KXII) – Derrick Turner of the Oklahoma Blood Institute says there are many reasons to donate blood. It can save lives for someone in need and keep you healthy too.

“You’re helping at least three lives with every unit you donate, well, actually, you’re helping four because you’re helping yourself,” Turner said. “You lower your chances of getting cancer if you get those old cells out of your body,” he added.

And by donating to the Battle of the Banks blood drive, you can help rebuild the Sulfur community after April’s tornado left many homes and businesses in ruins.

“For every donor after we hit $30, we get $15 that will go toward Sulphur’s long-term recovery fund,” said Katie Barnard of BancFirst in Sulphur.

Donor Gary Parker says he donates blood every chance he gets.

“It could be your family that needs it, so maybe if I do my part now, then if someone in my family needs it, maybe they can reciprocate,” Parker said.

Parker says he saw the impact of the tornado on Sulphur, and says many families are still working to recover.

“I worked on a lot of homes after the tornado, and anything that helps these people is a blessing,” Parker said.

Where every donation counts towards recovery efforts for tornado victims, saving lives and can win prizes too.

“We’re also giving away Arbuckle Mountain Fried Pies thanks to the United Way, a free turkey for every donor thanks to INCA Community Services and a chance to win a YETI cooler,” Barnard added.

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