Locals Give the Gift of Life to more than 100 at the Church of Scientology's Summer Blood Drive

Volunteer blood donors helped to save lives in Pinellas County this weekend at a blood drive by Florida's One Blood and the Church of Scientology. End Quote

Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL (1888PressRelease) July 31, 2014 - This past Saturday was a usual day for many people throughout the Bay area. However, for the people who were being treated for cancer, or who were the victim of an accident and needed blood on that day, and the people who helped provide it, the day was anything but usual.

On that day in downtown Clearwater, 32 volunteers stepped into the Big Red Bus provided by Florida's One Blood and gave the give of life to up to 105 people. The blood drive was hosted by the Church of Scientology and the Volunteer Ministers of the Church of Scientology of Tampa, (also known as VMs).

Judy Fagerman, who heads up the Tampa Bay area VM's was on hand to greet the donors and to thank them for their donation. "The VMs have been participating in blood drives for the past 10 years," said Ms. Fagerman. "It is a great opportunity to give back to the Community and save lives."

Ms. Fagerman has been a Volunteer Minister since 2001. "My first duty as a Volunteer Minister was 9-11 in NYC, which really got me going in not just helping others but also in teaching others to help others. It is something I got passionate about, which is why I am the VM Coordinator at our Church in Tampa. With the Volunteer Minister Program, I have been able to help not just in local disasters but International disasters as well, coordinating and helping to send Volunteer Ministers to help where ever needed."

Pat Harney, the Public Affairs Director for the Church of Scientology, echoed this sentiment, saying "That is the hallmark of the Volunteer Ministers, they will help whenever and wherever."

Ms. Harney added that the Volunteer Minister program was launched thirty years ago, in response to an appeal by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard. "He noted that there was a definite downturn in the ethics and morals in society, which resulted in an increase in drugs and crime and said that 'if one does not like the crime, cruelty, injustice and violence of this society, he can do something about it. He can become a VOLUNTEER MINISTER.'"

And to those who donated blood on that fine Saturday afternoon, they too were able to do something about it.

For more information about the Volunteer Ministers program, please go to www.scientology-tampa.org.

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