Highland Park blood drive fully booked in show of support after mass shooting

HIGHLAND PARK, Ill. - More than one week since seven lives were taken in Highland Park and dozens of others were injured, support services and outreach efforts are still available for those struggling to cope.

The Family Assistance Center at Highland Park High School will remain open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Friday, July 15. There, counselors and support dogs are on hand to help.

Meanwhile, community members are doing what they can to show their support.

As the days pass, piles of flowers are growing higher at a downtown memorial for those killed during last week's horrific mass shooting.

"We’re a big community, but we’re a tight-knit community," said Julie Benensohn, who lives in Highland Park.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE FOX 32 YOUTUBE CHANNEL

A blood drive held Tuesday at the Highland Park Country Club was the latest effort to give back. It garnered so much interest, appointments were fully booked for the day.

"Our community all comes together in a time of need and they’re there for each other," said Benensohn.

The blood drive, hosted by the American Red Cross, came – in part – in an effort to replenish the blood supply that was used while treating victims of the Fourth of July parade shooting.

Officials with the Red Cross said hospitals are always in need of blood donations, as it helps keep their shelves stocked and is crucial during tragedies like the Highland Park parade shooting.

Community members who attended the blood drive Tuesday said they were touched to see the outpouring of support.

"There’s been everywhere you go, people out and about more than ever. All the memorials and stuff have been real good to see that people aren’t just stopping and moving aside, they’re coming together and helping each other and doing what they can for the community," said Philip Pace.

The Red Cross is hosting another blood drive at the Highland Park Country Club on Tuesday, July 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Appointments are encouraged and can be made by visiting the organization’s website.

On Wednesday, July 13 at 7 p.m., Highland Park will hold a vigil for all the parade shooting victims at City Hall.