Blood drive in honor of Valley heroes held at Sierra Vista Mall

CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) -- The greatest present you can give this holiday season may be the gift of life and you can help.

Inside the Sierra Vista Mall, there's a storefront where the gifts people give don't cost a thing, but they're priceless and the Christmas tree isn't the only place you'll find a star.

The Fresno County Sheriff's Office organized the Holiday Heroes Blood Drive and donors lined up Monday.

"I'm here to give back for everyone," donor Kellen Kennon said.

This year's blood drive is dedicated to Sgt. Rod Lucas, who died in an accidental shooting on the job, and to Juanita Davila and Malama Scanlan, the correctional officers shot while working at the jail.

"I'm doing really good," Davila said. "Doing really good - just taking it day by day."

Almost four months since the jail attack, Davila is well enough to spend Christmas with her mom, her daughters and her grandkids and she's not taking it for granted.

"It's just more meaningful," she said. "And it's just very touching and very beautiful and just a blessing that I'm here."

A Facebook update from her partner's family shows officer Scanlan has battled pneumonia as he heals from several surgeries. That's several times a blood donation may have saved his life and Davila could be next. She may undergo facial reconstruction surgery a few months from now.

"That's why I just want to stress, if you can donate, please come in and donate because I may be the one who needs it months down the line," Davila said.

Davila greeted donors with holiday greetings on the first day of the blood drive, from one hero to another.

You can donate blood at the mall every day through December 30, except Christmas eve and Christmas, from noon to 6 p.m.