A blood drive to honor Vickie Creech was held Tuesday at the Harlan Post Office, and those who oversaw the event describe it as a success.

According to Kaye Anderson, a local postmaster, the organizers of the event expect to surpass their goal of 32 donors.

"It's been a good turnout," said Anderson, who attributes the success to the visibility and accessible location of the donation center.

Vickie Creech first organized these blood drives three years ago as a way to honor her friend Debbie Steele's son who was left needing blood after a heavy machinery accident. Creech herself needed blood after she was injured in a traffic accident in December of 2004.

Thus far, Creech has sponsored five blood drives in the past three years. She describes her first one as being a huge success, generating up to 50 pints of blood.

She is "very proud of her co-workers" for continuing on with her work.

According to Creech, holidays are the worst time for blood donation because so many people are out visiting and preparing for all the hassles that go along with the holidays. Unfortunately, many accidents occur around holidays, and this is the time that blood is needed desperately by hospitals.

"God saved me from [that] accident for a reason," said Creech, who wants more than ever to get back to her charitable work both with the blood drives and raising money for St. Jude's Hospital.

Creech has endured six major surgeries thus far following her accident, yet she maintains a positive outlook and a will to help people. She is more than ready to "get back on her feet" and get back to her work both with the blood drives and at the post office in Kenvir.

The first three blood drives were held in Kenvir.

Creech's next big project is a bike-a-thon for St. Jude's.

"You have to have the blood; it is what gives life," said Creech, while looking over at the six people lined up and waiting for their turn to donate blood.