PPL Susquehanna nuclear plant employees contributed a different kind of energy to the community when they participated in a nuclear industry-wide blood drive for the July 4th holiday.

PPL Susquehanna joined more than 60 nuclear-related organizations across the nation to help prevent severe blood shortages during the Independence Day holiday when the blood supply usually is low.

During PPL Susquehanna’s "Energy for Life" blood drive, 130 employees contributed 119 units of blood to help meet patient needs in Berwick and the surrounding communities.

"PPL has a long history of supporting the people and the communities we serve," said Herb Woodeshick, special assistant to the president for PPL Susquehanna. "This program enables us to make a valuable contribution toward enhancing and even saving the lives of our neighbors who are most in need."

The nationwide "Energy for Life" blood drive program — coordinated by the Nuclear Energy Institute in partnership with America’s Blood Centers and the American Red Cross — is one of five blood drives held each year at the Susquehanna plant.

"Blood supply is very fragile, especially during holidays and the summer months when school is out and people are on vacation," said Diane DeLuca, blood services coordinator for the Greater Berwick Chapter of the American Red Cross. "It’s great to have companies like PPL support us during these times and throughout the year. The employees are unbelievable. We always reach our target at PPL no matter what time of year."

Each day, 32,000 Americans must donate blood to maintain the nation’s blood supply for patients being treated for accidents, routine surgeries and serious diseases, such as cancer, heart disease and hemophilia. Although giving blood is easy, safe and takes less than one hour, only 5 percent of eligible Americans donate blood each year, according to the American Red Cross.

The Susquehanna plant, located in Luzerne County about seven miles north of Berwick, is owned jointly by PPL Susquehanna LLC and Allegheny Electric Cooperative Inc. and is operated by PPL Susquehanna.