PHOTOS: Firefighters, Civilians Donate Blood at Troy Police & Fire Training Center

Troy resident Beverly Wiles, 71, has been organizing blood drives for more than 20 years.

During at the , she set her most ambitious blood drive goal ever.

"I want 80 to 100 units," Wiles said. "I'm still shooting for 100, though."

Wiles, a member of the Troy Fire Department Women's Auxiliary, said she has 53 appointments scheduled – including her own – as well as five double red cell donations. The blood drive runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, but as of 11 a.m., Wiles had already signed in more than 20 donors.

"The blood is badly needed all year long," Wiles said.

The drive, which draws in firefighters – including Troy Fire Chief William Nelson – as well as civilians, is run by several members of the Troy Fire Department Women's Auxiliary. The women, who are mostly wives or partners of Troy firefighters, check in the blood donors, keep a watchful eye over recent donors and provide several dozen homemade cookies at the snack table.

Wiles, whose husband, son and grandson are all active or retired Troy firefighters, said she enjoys organizing the blood drives.

"I like to help people, and I know it helps," she said. "It's good to do."

Walk-ins are welcome at today's blood drive, which runs until 6 p.m. at the . If you can't make it today, please visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make a blood donation appointment. Donors can also click here to find nearby blood drives.