Community Corner

Kline Construction, Purdy Collision Team Up With Red Cross to Battle Blood Shortage

The drive began Tuesday at Purdy Collision and continues Wednesday at Kline Construction in Williamstown.

Josh and Nicole Hudson were driving by on Monday night, Sept. 3, and noticed a sign advertising for a blood drive to be held at the body shop the following day. That chance sighting led the 25-year Galloway residents back to the shop Tuesday morning to donate some blood.

“I work in the hospital, and I see the need for blood every day,” said Nicole Hudson, a nurse for “People in this area need blood.”

The blood drive was hosted by Purdy Collision and in conjunction with American Red Cross in Galloway, and Kline Construction will hold another drive at its Williamstown office on Wednesday.

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Purdy Collision owner and Galloway Mayor Don Purdy and Kline Construction co-owner Ed Kline held the drive after they read an editorial in the Press of Atlantic City last month about a blood shortage in the area.

“I was always active with the Red Cross and I was surprised there was a shortage of blood,” Kline said. “It triggered me to get involved.”

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Kline said that although he is active and supports the Red Cross, he hadn’t given blood recently.

“You have to be reminded to give blood,” Kline said. “The editorial reminded me. Sometimes, you don’t realize how long it’s been since you donated.”

Purdy spent time in the hospital last year with gall bladder issues. Although he didn’t need a blood transfusion, he recognizes the importance of giving blood.

“It’s nice to give back to the community,” Purdy said. “We saw the shortage and we wanted to give back.”

Employees from both companies volunteered to donate blood, although an exact number of volunteers was unclear because those who wished to donate had to undergo a qualification process on site before donating. Purdy estimated 35-40 of his employees donated, and Kline was hoping for 100 employees at each of his two offices to donate.

Purdy and Kline both donated, as did Deputy Mayor Tony Coppola and Bill Kline, Ed’s brother and co-owner of Kline Construction.


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