SIA employees give back by giving blood

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Standing in an assembly line of their own, workers at Subaru of Indiana Automotive rolled up their sleeves Tuesday.

With Toyota halting production this week due to an accelerator problem , employees organized a blood drive.

Senior Vice President Tom Easterday said with almost 1,000 associates working on the Toyota Camry line, Tuesday's blood drive was a perfect opportunity.

"We had a blood drive in December, but not all the associates were able to participate in that because of the heavy production activity. We saw this as an opportunity to give back to the community while our associates are engaging in kaizen activities and upgrading facility and doing training this week instead of production activities on the Camry side," said Easterday.

15 year employee Sally McGill donated her time, and her blood, on Tuesday because she did not participate the December blood drive.

"It's always important to give blood. It's always needed, people are in accidents, various diseases, you always have to give blood. It's needed everywhere," said McGill.

Indiana Blood Center President and CEO Byron Buhner, said the blood center needs at least 550 units of blood every day to service the 60 hospitals that rely on it.

"We need partnerships like what we have with Subaru and they generously give up their time and they let their employees donate while they are here at work and that means a lot to us. It helps us keep our supplies going and we truly appreciate this partnership," said Buhner.

As an incentive to get people to give blood, donors walked away with a Colts shirt, just in time for Super Bowl Sunday.

"Some of the associates came forward and said 'You know, here's an idea. We're going to be doing training and other activities here instead of production. It would be easier for us to get out of those activities on an individual basis to donate. Can we set this up?' and we said great idea lets go ahead and do it," said Easterday.

Buhner said Tuesday's turn-out shows SIA employees care about their community.

"It shows you the dedication that Hoosiers have about helping Hoosiers. And, also what dedication Subaru Indiana has of helping its fellow Hoosiers. As a major corporation within our state, this is something that is very pleasing to see and it kind of underscores the power of Hoosiers and we're very appreciative," said Buhner.

Easterday said the Camry will be back in full production next week.