VALDOSTA —
When Scott and Summer Clark's house caught fire July 9 of last year, and they were standing with Kennedy, their two-year-old daughter, watching the volunteer fire fighters drive in, they saw a sight they didn't expect to see: behind the volunteer fire fighters was the Red Cross.
“When you think about the Red Cross, you think about blood drives and Hurricane Katrina,” Scott Clark said. “You think of major tragedies. But a house fire is a major tragedy to you, to the family.”
The Red Cross was there supplying water to the Clarks and the firefighters working in the sweltering 97-degree heat and the Red Cross was there afterwards as well, offering to provide the Clark family with clothing, food, and housing.
“We were lucky enough to have insurance, but many people aren't,” Scott Clark said. The Red Cross' assistance in times of tragedy is indispensable, and now, the Clarks are giving the Red Cross some assistance.
Since the Clark’s opened The Mix, a popular local frozen yogurt shop, they've held fundraisers for the Wounded Warrior Project and the American Cancer Society, as well as working in conjunction with local sororities to raise money for the Make-a-Wish Foundation, the Children's Network, and the Ronald McDonald House, among others.
“Being independent business owners, we can make decisions based on the community need,” Scott Clark said. Now, along with the other charities they've helped, they're adding the Red Cross to the list.
On Monday, January 14, The Mix is hosting a Red Cross blood drive. The blood drive will run from 3 p.m. through 7 p.m. in the parking lot for The Mix, located at 1803 Jerry Jones Dr., on the corner of Baytree and Jerry Jones. Everyone who donates blood Monday will be treated to a free frozen yogurt afterwards courtsey of The Mix.
And for those of us who can't give blood or can't get over a slight fear of needles, The Mix is donating 10 percent of all sales on Monday to the Red Cross, as well as taking up donations, either cash or checks made out to the Red Cross. People who want to donate blood but are pressed for time on Monday can call Scott at 229-563-6354 to set up an appointment in advance.
“It's that whole ‘do unto others thing’,“ Scott said. “We're a business, but we're more than a business; we're part of the community.”
Local News
Related Photos
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Scott Clark, owner of The Mix, is sponsoring a blood drive Monday, Jan. 14 from 3-7 p.m. Brandon Powers
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The Mix is located at 1803 Jerry Jones Drive. Brandon Powers
Discussion
The Mix hosting blood drive
A ‘thank you’ to the Red Cross
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