On Thursday, July 7th, 2016 the City of Dallas was shocked by violence when five police officers were gunned down in the street during a peaceful protest march. The five officers included four from Dallas Police Department (DPD) and one from Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). The DFW community has since tried to find ways to “Back the Blue,” and show support for the overall community.

The Kirby-Smith Machinery Dallas branch has participated towards that community effort in two ways:

1. Giving a $500 contribution to the Memorial Fund.

2. On Friday, August 19th, they organized and held a blood drive with the help of the Red Cross in an effort to Honor of the DPD.

Kirby-Smith had signed up 36 donors in advance of the blood drive. Of that 36, there were 30 volunteers who were approved and successfully contributed. Per the Red Cross, every contributor has the potential to save three lives with the methods they use, so the 15 minutes on the couch by each volunteer ultimately may equate to 90 lives affected.

The morning got off to a rocky start when the bus broke down on the way to the branch, but Kirby-Smith agreed to have them bring the coach in ‘on the hook’ to complete the campaign. Once things got started, the blood drive was a smoothly-run success. To celebrate the efforts of the Red Cross and the volunteers, an ice cream sundae buffet was set up. Donors were allowed to go first, or cut in line.

The blood drive is another example of Kirby-Smith's recent efforts to give back to the communities it serves. Last December, the North Texas branches contributed to the Ronald McDonald House Charities in Dallas and Fort Worth during Christmas, donating the funds budgeted for North Texas branch luncheons. David Cooper, Vice President & General Manager for Kirby-Smith's Southern Division, is grateful to see his employees give back so earnestly.

"We as a group and individuals are so blessed with more than we deserve or need, and are grateful to be giving back when and where we are able," said Cooper.