By Andrew Wineke
Herald Writer
A line of people streamed out the door today at the Puget Sound Blood Center, 2703 Oakes Ave. in Everett, as people waited to help victims of today’s terrorist tragedy the best way they could.
The wait to donate was two to three hours, with some people being put to work answering phones, which were ringing constantly with others wanting to know how they could help.
Ryan Santeford of Arlington was in line at the blood center with a co-worker after deciding he couldn’t keep his mind on his job with a construction crew working on the new Everett Station transit center.
"Everyone was kind of crowded around the radio," Santeford said. "We said, ‘Not much going on here,’ so we took off.
"They were saying that the best way to (help) was either to give blood or send money."
Michelle Black and Jon Miller came to the blood center to give blood but ended up answering phones.
"I have a cousin in Manhattan, and I haven’t been able to reach her," Black said. "I just can’t sit still, so I came down here to help out."
Miller, an engineman on the frigate Rodney M. Davis based at Naval Station Everett, was sleeping at home when his wife woke him and told him about the disaster. He went to the blood center late this morning.
"I showed up to give blood, and they got me answering phones," Miller said. "I asked if they needed any help today."
About 50 people stood in line at noon today, and every chair in the blood center was full. An extra donation station was being set up in a back room.
Televisions tuned to news channels were stationed so volunteers could stay abreast of developments as they donated.
Callers were told that if they came to the center, they could expect a several-hour wait to donate blood. They were told they were welcome to come and wait, or they could schedule an appointment for later, because blood is likely to be needed for weeks to come.
A press release on the center’s Web site said that neither New York nor Washington, D.C., had asked for blood from the Puget Sound area as of earlier today.
To make an appointment to donate blood, call 800-398-7888. That number may be busy; be patient. If you need to call the center, the number is 425-252-5132, but use the 800 number to make appointments.
The Puget Sound Blood Center will be open from noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday. It will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.
There is another Puget Sound Blood Center at 19723 Highway 99, Suite F, in Lynnwood. That center’s phone number is 425-774-6366. The Lynnwood center is open from noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
For more information about donating blood, look at the center’s Web site, www.psbc.org.
You can call Herald Writer Andrew Wineke at 425-339-3465 or send e-mail to wineke@heraldnet.com.
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