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Orioles host blood drive, donations needed during COVID-19 pandemic

Jamie Costello's Top 25 Camden Yards Moments
Posted at 4:05 PM, May 24, 2020
and last updated 2020-05-24 22:36:11-04

BALTIMORE — A lot of fans headed Camden Yards Saturday, but it wasn't for baseball.

Their purpose was to serve and strengthen the community during a pandemic.

The Orioles partnered with the American Red Cross, Budweiser and the University of Maryland Medical System to host a blood drive.

With COVID-19 forcing many blood drives to be canceled, blood donations are in need, especially as some elective surgeries resume

"Just knowing that true impact of one hour of time can give someone else a chance of a lifetime, that's why I’m here. That's why I think a lot of people are here. They know the impact of what they are doing is going to make a difference."

One donation can save up to three lives and around 200 people gave blood Saturday.

As a thank you, each donor got two free tickets to a future game this season or next year.

Although the fans don’t know when they’ll be able to attend a game, it certainly gives them something to look forward to.