Annual MASH Bash blood drive draws to a close with dozens of donations

Published 1:41 pm Friday, July 18, 2025

Carthage celebrated a remarkable milestone as the 30th annual MASH Bash Blood Drive concluded successfully, significantly boosting local blood supplies during the critical summer months. Organized by Carter BloodCare in partnership with the Carthage Chamber of Commerce, donations were given on Wednesday and Thursday at the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame.

The drive addressed a critical shortage, particularly for O negative and B negative blood types, with supply scarce during the summer months. Carter BloodCare emphasized that each donation can benefit three lives by separating blood into red cells, platelets, and plasma.

“Seeing our community unite and step up to make such a tangible difference was inspiring,” said Dakota Burkham, the event coordinator and Carter Blood Care Blood Drive Consultant.

Participants streamlined their donation experience by completing an online health questionnaire beforehand, with many making appointments online or via direct contact. Walk-ins were also welcomed, contributing significantly to the turnout.

Donors received a limited-edition 30th-anniversary T-shirt and participated in hourly giveaways for Rangers or Astros baseball tickets. Additionally, participants who brought a friend entered a drawing for a special gift basket through the “Bring a Buddy” contest.

Local businesses and teams competed for the Community Champ Trophy, awarded to the group recruiting the highest number of donors. The longstanding friendly rivalry with Marshall continued, with Panola County once again demonstrating its impressive generosity.

According to Burkham, Carthage collected a total of 85 units and Marshall collected a total of 179 units. Although we take a loss this year, our two cities combined collected 264 units and will touch around 792 lives.

Those interested in future involvement or supporting Carter BloodCare’s ongoing efforts are encouraged to connect with the Carthage Chamber of Commerce or Dakota Burkham directly. Burkham emphasized, “This event truly showed it takes the entire community to make a lasting impact.”