Blood drive for Johnson Family
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LOCKPORT, N.Y. — Since the Johnson family's tragedy, Wine Trail Cafe employees have been going the extra mile, putting out donation jars to help the family out. On Wednesday, they took it a step further.
"Shelly, our cook, called and had UNYTS get in touch with us right away so we could have the blood drive," explained owner Colleen Sardella.
Shelly has a small idea of what the family is coping with. She doesn't know them, but a year ago her house burned down, and she knows what it's like to need everything you once had.
"Your medicine, glasses pet food. It's crazy the things you wake up to every morning that are there, and the next morning they're gone," said cafe employee Michelle Horanurg. "You'll go on for - I guess the rest of your life - going to get something, and it's gone. And then you remember 'oh I lost that.'"
As the donations pour in, the Johnson's daughter Katie remains hospitalized, still recovering from her injuries. That's why the cafe held the blood drive - to help people like Katie, who need it most. Employees say the community response has been overwhelming, and it's natural to them to want to lend a hand.
"These folks need as much help as they possibly can get. So we're just happy to be a part of that, and help this family," said Sardella.
Shelly says the community rallied around her after her house fire, and she'll do all she can for the family now.
"To be able to help out. Return the favor," said Horanurg.
The donation jars will stay out at the cafe. A portion of sales Wednesday also went to help the family.