In his long career as a teacher and coach in Dawsonville, the late Charles Finley inspired thousands of students, and his memory inspired a blood drive on Aug. 27 that had the potential to save lives for another generation.

The blood drive was a great community event filled with lots of stories and memories of Mr. Finley and an amazing number of blood donors.

LifeSouth's goal was to get 25 donations and it pulled in 42.

With each donation having the potential to save three lives, that adds up to 126 lives that could be touched by this one blood drive.

LifeSouth also wanted to offer thanks for the great support received from the Dawson County News, Dawson County Chamber of Commerce, the Georgia Racing Hall of fame (who hosted the event), the Dawsonville Pool Room, along with members of the Finley family who attended to share stories and donate.

LifeSouth, the hall of fame and the Pool Room also sponsored a prize drawing for donors. The winners included Ben Finley, Katelyn Goodwin, Karen Westbrook and Les Stanton.

This was truly a community event and the blood donations have a local impact, helping patients in the hospitals in Georgia that partner with LifeSouth in saving lives.

Toni Holmes

LifeSouth Georgia District Community Development Coordinator