As a first responder, Charles Massey knows just how important blood donations can be. The Chunky Fire Chief has seen plenty of accidents that have resulted in the victim needing blood.

"I try to give. I haven't given in a while. When I saw it in the paper, I tried to put it aside to make sure I got here this morning to give," said Charles Massey - Blood Donor.

The blood drive was originally scheduled for members of the 204th Air Defense Artillery, but when they were deployed last month the community was asked to take their places and roll up their sleeves. Massey's son also answered the call. One thing that he passed on to his son is his blood type. With O-Negative blood, Damien Massey is a special type of donor. O-Negative blood is the universal blood and can be given to any person in an emergency.

And with the blood drive being held at the Armory in Newton, there was a special meaning to Damien Massey, whose dad is retired military.

"Knowing that soldiers could use it, the ones overseas fighting, knowing that that right there might be something that could help one of them," said Massey.

"It's important to do it here at the armory because we already have people in Iraq who need blood, so just think about them," said Kirby Jones - United Blood Services.