Lexington County Deputies Roll Up Sleeves For Community

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — “To give back to the community, the community is here for us, and we are giving back,” says Deputy Billy Womble. When the Lexington County Sheriff’s Office heard there was a critical need for blood, they were ready to help. “It’s just an excellent humanitarian gesture to give blood,” says Erik Murrah, of the Lexington County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office held a blood drive on Tuesday and the turn out was better than ever. “In 2010, we collected approximately 200 pints of blood, we’ve had one blood drive earlier this year in which we collected around 100 pints, so we are hoping to exceed that today, says Murrah. Deputies say they’ve held blood drives here since 1999. For Deputy Billy Womble, it’s his way of giving back to the community. “That’s just part of what we are, we’re here to help the community and the community helps us, and if we can give back to them in any way, shape, fashion, or form it’s a good thing,” says Womble. And while giving blood, may seem or even look simple, some do shy away from giving blood. Yet, Denise Elkins with the American Red Cross says there’s no need to shy away from giving the gift of life. “Look beyond your reason not to, we all have reasons not to do it, but there is no replacement for it, so look beyond those reasons and make a difference in someone’s life,” says Elkins. But on Tuesday, there were plenty of people and law enforcement officials ready to give, meaning help is on the way from Lexington County. “We want to reach out to the community and let them know that the people who are employed here and the Sheriff care about the community and if enhancing the quality of life means donating blood, then we’re going to donate blood,” says Murrah.