Tampa, Florida - Weeks after the Orlando shooting people across the Tampa Bay area are still showing up and donating blood.
Saturday a blood drive was sponsored by the Tampa Based Rough Riders and was held at their clubhouse just south of Ybor City.
Jerry King is the President of organization and says, "My understanding is that the blood banks were running low on donations prior to the event. Since then they've really been taxed they're asking everybody who is able to give blood to please come out."
To find you nearest blood donation center visit www.oneblood.org or call 888-9-DONATE (366283).
The Rough Riders are a charity group organized to be a beacon of hope and support during tough times. It's a historical and educational non-profit charitable organization that serves as a living memorial to Theodore Roosevelt and the original Rough Riders.
King adds, "The Rough Rider organization felt that it was our duty to continue to show our community stewardship by supporting the victims and families of the Orlando mass shooting. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go to each person touched by this horrible event."
The Rough Riders, founded in Tampa in 1978, promote the memory of Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, and the famous regimental unit he founded that staged in Tampa before fighting in Cuba during the Spanish, American war. The Rough Riders include over 550 members, including local business owners, lawyers, civil servants and medical and business professionals.
In addition to hosting the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade, the Rough Riders participate in community events, educational programs and charitable and philanthropic endeavors including their world famous Teddy Bear runs to local hospitals, schools and other facilities giving Teddy Bears to kids and vulnerable individuals who are in need.
