“Fifty-three pints of blood were collected. [These donations] may help up to 130 hospital patients in need,” wrote Sherie DeVillers, Senior Account Manager of Vitalant, in a letter addressed to Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, Executive Minister of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ). She further expressed her gratitude, stating, “Thank you for the recent blood drive held by the Church.”

Vitalant is a non-profit blood provider that supports more than 25 hospitals across Los Angeles County and San Luis Obispo County. The blood drive of the  the Ecclesiastical District of Los Angeles County, California, USA, held on May 9, 2026, which was conducted in commemoration of the 140th birth anniversary of Brother Felix Y. Manalo, God’s Messenger in these last days, benefited the said organization.

In coordination with the Felix Y. Manalo (FYM) Foundation, the blood drive took place at the function hall of the Los Angeles Congregation under the supervision of the district supervising minister, Brother Artemio T. Pilon Jr.

Marites Herreria, one of the donors from the Northridge Congregation, shared how she prepared for the activity: “I made sure to get enough rest, stay hydrated, eat properly beforehand, and just try to relax.”

Officers of the Christian Medical Dental and Paramedical Society (CMDPS) in the district volunteered to assist the staff of Vitalant by providing support during medical checkups and health screenings.

Jade Valentin, CMDPS event lead from the Pasadena Congregation and a registered nurse, emphasized the importance of donating blood, “Giving blood is basically saving lives. It is a very powerful act of kindness and compassion that has a huge impact on the community.”

“It is very important to organize blood drives and have groups in the community help us conduct them because blood is needed every day in hospitals locally and across the nation,” explained Sherie DeVillers. “For donors, the greatest benefit of donating blood is giving the gift of life and knowing that they have helped save a life.”

Brother Pierre Cardin Perez, the district Christian Family Organizations (CFO) overseer, expressed the district’s deep appreciation to the Church Administration: “To our beloved Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, and our Deputy Executive Minister, Brother Angelo Eraño V. Manalo, thank you so much for allowing us to conduct activities such as blood donation drives so that we may continue helping the communities.” — With assistance from Andy Canlas