Two separate, non-profit organizations held their annual blood drives at Blood Bank of Delmarva (BBD) in February, helping BBD continue its progress in recent years in terms of increasing Asian-American donors.
First, the Delaware Area Telangana Association (DATA) booked 23 donors for its ninth annual DATA Blood Donation Drive at BBD’s Christiana Donor Center on Saturday, February 8. They collected 20 units.
“It’s a social obligation as a charity organization. We work as a team, Team DATA. This is one of our charitable works – to save a life,” said Hari Mudumba, past president of DATA. “Donating blood saves lives.”
Sheshi Kasira, president of DATA, said it’s a good feeling to know just how much he and his fellow members of DATA are truly helping the community.
In a separate event, the third annual Helping Hands Charitable Trust & BRS USA Blood Donation Drive was held at the Christiana Donor Center on Saturday, February 15 in honor of the birthday of Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao (KCR). KCR, born on February 17, is an immensely popular, Indian politician who was the first chief minister of Telangana, and he is renowned for the struggle to attain separate statehood for Telangana in southern India.
Blood drive coordinator Bhaskar Pinna thanked the 17 donors who came in and donated.
“On this special occasion of KCR Sir’s birthday, we extend our deepest gratitude to each one of you for your selfless act of donating blood,” he said. “Your generosity has not only honored this significant day but has also given the gift of life to those in need.
“Blood donation is a noble act that reflects compassion and humanity, and your contribution embodies the spirit of service and care. Together, we are making a difference in countless lives and strengthening our community. Thank you for being heroes in the truest sense. Your kindness and commitment inspire us all.”
Both DATA and Helping Hands Charitable Trust are comprised of members who are primarily of Indian extraction. They, along with Charity Crossing and the Nepali Society, have helped increase the percentage of Asian donors at BBD from 1.1 percent in 2022 to 2.4 percent in 2024.