In South Boston, traditions are important and usually forever. And so too is the annual Jim Kelly Memorial Blood Drive which will mark its 8th year on Saturday, October 27th, at the South Boston Catholic Academy building on East Broadway.
South Boston Today spoke with Jim’s daughter Sandra about the upcoming event. She was excited and pleased at the same time that her father’s memory, which will live on, is also honored by such a wonderful humanitarian effort. Sandra, along with her brothers Jamie and Tommy are very proud at how this Blood Drive has developed. Since the first Drive, the effort has collected hundreds of pints of blood and American Red Cross officials say that this had the potential to save more than 500 lives.
The Blood Drive will take place as it always has down stairs in the school building and will run from 9:30am till 2:30 in the afternoon. You can even call the American Red Cross in advance to make an appointment for a specific time that day, which will help avoid any possible waiting. To make an appointment, you can call the American Red cross at 1-800-733-2767. There is also a website where you can get any information about giving blood on this day or any other: www.redcrossblood.org and type in the sponsor code jkelly.
For those of you who are able to donate blood, your act of kindness will go a long way in helping to save lives and it will be done in Jim’s name. But even if you are not able to donate blood, please feel free and most welcome to drop by and say ‘Hi’ to the Kelly family, who will be happy to see Jim’s old friends and those who so fondly remember this great man.
Jim Kelly spent his life working tirelessly on behalf of his friends, neighbors and constituents in his beloved community. He was always ready, willing and able to help out those who needed him. To Jimmy it wasn’t a job, it was a commitment and a labor of love straight from the heart and soul. There is no doubt that from his place in Heaven, he is proud that he is remembered each year in October with such a wonderful event. As he helped so many people while he was here among us, people are still being helped in his memory. What could be better than that?
Jim Kelly will always be remembered for the fearless neighborhood champion and hero that he was. He worked tirelessly on behalf of all of his constituents in his capacity as an elected official while he was the district Boston City Councilor and City Council President and as a concerned neighbor always there to assist those in need. A blood drive in his memory is an outstanding and fitting tribute to the memory of this wonderful man.
