Blood drive honors life of teen shot in Hoover

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – The life of a teenager shot and killed in Hoover is inspiring others to give the gift of life.

Sophia Zeigler, 19 years old died after a shooting at a gas station two years ago.

To this day, she has not been forgotten. A blood drive was held in her honor on Saturday.

“A beautiful young woman who lost her life two years ago today (Saturday) due to gun violence,” said Paige Howard of Lifesouth Community Blood Centers in Birmingham.

Lifesouth said the event was a success, adding that at least 20 people donated blood in Zeigler’s name.

Still, Lifesouth is in dire need of blood.

The organization says it provides 80 percent of the blood that goes to Alabama hospitals and medical facilities. However, Lifesouth says only about 3 percent of eligible donors are participating.

“We are currently at a one-day supply, maybe a little less than a day’s supply,” Howard said. “We need to have a five-day supply to meet the demands of the hospitals.”

Lifesouth says it’s essential that people donate now. All blood types are needed, and people 16 and older can donate.

Just like the blood drive in Zeigler’s honor, Lifesouth is encouraging more people to organize events.

“We’ll set everything up for you,” Howard said. “It’s just a matter of you initiating and getting the ball rolling to get us there.”

Lifesouth is asking churches and high schools to consider hosting a blood drive. They can be reached at 205-943-6000.

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