One of the ways you can help the victims of the Imperial Sugar Refinery explosion is by rolling up your sleeve and giving blood. We are told by the experts in Augusta at the burn center that blood is the key to these patients survival and they will be needing pints and pints in the coming days. Already the need is being met by generous neighbors. As 3 On Your Side's Randi Hempel shows us, the community is opening their hearts to give the gift of life.

“One way people can help is to donate blood, so if you want to help out, donate blood as quick as possible, donate blood and pray for these folks as well." Tina Tyus-Shaw and Russ Riesinger talk to all of us during News 3 at 11 on Thursday.

Prayers and the call for blood being answered Friday; people walking in to the Community Blood Bank and waiting in long lines, up to two hours, all to help. Some have never given the gift of life before.

“I just felt I needed to, they said that they needed O positive blood and I've got O positive.” Explains Randall Hodges, a first time donor who used to work at a neighboring business.

“I've never done it before, but I think it's a need and it's a crisis situation. I think that we have a responsibility to do, so that's why I'm here.” Explains Matthew Gunn, a first time donor, who has a fellow church member who was wounded

Hospital officials say the burn victims are losing a lot of fluids.

“They desperately need that blood. We don't know, there are injuries in addition to burns of course that that these people have experienced through the explosion.” Explains Kelly Hunt who works in Neonatology at Memorial Health University Medical Center.

There's a need for all types of blood right now. In times of disasters like the explosion at the Imperial Sugar Refinery, blood needs to be on the shelf. Those in the blood donor community say blood is like a parachute. If you don't have it when you need it, chances are, you'll never need it again.

“You're almost done ma'am.” a nurse talks to a donor.

“This is the only way I know how to help the victim by donating blood because they're going to need blood for the operation and after the operation.” Explains Beverly Dillard who donates often.

All of the donors say to give now because you never know when you or a loved one will be the one in need. You too can give the gift of life. After the explosion, several blood drives were set up.

for the Savannah Community Blood Bank - All donations go to support Memorial University Medical Center. (website for more info - igiveblood.com):

Friday, March 7, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Village BP & Spirit Shoppe @ Savannah Quarters
100 Moonlight Lane off of Pooler Parkway, Savannah, GA
(912) 450-0110

Sunday, March 9, from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM
St. Anne Catholic Church
10550 Ford Avenue, Richmond Hill, GA
(912) 756-3343

Monday, March 10, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Starbucks @ Montgomery Cross Road
49 Montgomery Cross Road, Savannah, GA
(912) 925-4652

Monday, March 10, from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Coastal Middle School
170 Whitemarsh Island Road, Savannah, GA
(912) 898-3956

Wednesday, March 12, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Citizens Bank of Effingham
802 South Laurel Street, Springfield, GA
(912) 754-0754

Thursday, March 13, from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Oak Grove Church of Christ
306 East 4th Street, Rincon, GA
(912) 657-2630 or (912) 728-3521

Saturday, March 15, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Islands Ace Hardware
318 Johnny Mercer Blvd, Savannah, GA

Saturday, March 15, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Faith Harvest Sanctuary
1237 Bill Futch Road, Ellabell, GA
(912) 858-5446

Wednesday, March 19, from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Fellowship Of Love Community Church
1402 Harmon Street, Savannah, GA
(912) 224-2461 or (912) 964-6498

Thursday, March 20, from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Knights Of Columbus Council #631
3 West Liberty Street, Savannah, GA
(912) 631-3301

Friday, March 21, from 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Savannah Festival Factory Stores
11 Gateway Boulevard South, Savannah, GA
(912) 925-3089

Friday, March 21, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Order of the Easter Stars – Savannah Chapter 159
At Masons Hall, 602 East Broad Street
(912) 856-0668

The American Red Cross Donor Center at 25 Tibet Ave (located on Abercorn between Carrabba's and Rite Aid) is open:

Monday through Thursday
11am - 7pm

Friday
8am - 3pm

Saturday
8am - 2pm