In the weeks and months after a dirt bike accident left her husband, Buford Street Drugs/Ace Hardware Store coowner Marion Patton severely injured, Kristi Patton was often asked by fellow community residents how they could assist the family at such a difficult time.

While it would have been easy for the local woman to devise a quick answer in response to the deluge of phone calls and well wishes, she instead went to the Lord in prayer, seeking guidance in an effort to honor both her husband and allow concerned neighbors the opportunity to lend a hand.

“I just began praying and asking God to lead me as to what Marion would want to do,” Kristi said. “(Marion) is the most giving person I have ever known and I really wanted to make sure I made the right decision.”

Needing approximately 39 units of blood to ease internal bleeding from the April accident, it was apparent after her time of prayer and devotion what should be done.

A blood drive will be held Wednesday in honor of Marion Patton at the Buford Street business, which Marion and brother Charlie co-own.

“Without blood, it’s possible Marion would not be here today,” Kristi said. “This is a great way to help someone else, as none of us ever know when we will be in need of the precious resource.”

Marion, who returned home last Wednesday, continues to have physical and occupational therapy sessions each week, in addition to dialysis treatments performed at home. He suffered a skull fracture and several broken ribs in addition to injuries to his sternum, pelvis and shoulder blades.

Recently, the local business owner reached a major step in his recovery, now being able to walk without the assistance of a cane.

“Marion is getting stronger every day,” Kristi said. “There is a long way to go, but step by step he is getting better with each passing day thanks to therapy and everyone’s prayers.”

According to Charlie, the community’s support throughout the ordeal was nothing short of “unbelievable.”

“Everyone’s prayers, cards and simply asking how he is doing really was uplifting,” Charlie said. “It has truly been a blessing.”

In addition to promoting the importance of a healthy supply of the precious resource at local blood banks, the event also will underscore how important the use of safety equipment is when riding motorcycles, go-carts and all-terrain vehicles.

All donors will receive freshly cooked hot dogs compliments of downtown eatery Trackside Diner, an American Red Cross shopping bag and the opportunity to leave an encouraging message for the Patton family. Gaffney radio station WZZQ 104.3 FM will broadcast live from the event.

The blood drive will run from 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Every unit of blood donated during the drive will be used to support the mission of the American Red Cross to prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.

Currently, the supply of type O Negative blood at the American Red Cross has dropped to critically low levels. Always in high demand because it can be transfused to patients of all blood types, those with type O negative blood are strongly encouraged to donate to meet the critical need.

For more information, call the Cherokee County American Red Cross service center at (864) 489-6066.