"The most valuable gift you can give:" Sikh Religious Society of Wisconsin hosts its fifth annual blood drive

BROOKFIELD (WITI) -- There was a tremendous turnout Sunday, March 29th at a blood drive organized by the Sikh Religious Society of Wisconsin.

The annual event started as a way to give back after the mass shooting at the society's temple in Oak Creek.

Community service is a big part of the Sikh faith.

So many people lined up to give blood on Sunday that organizers say the BloodCenter of Wisconsin couldn't take everyone who wanted to donate.

"I highly, highly believe that this is the most valuable gift that you can give to somebody. That we can lessen somebody's pain, or even save a life, so that's our goal that we are trying to achieve every year," Gurcharan Singh Grewal said.

Sunday marked the fifth blood drive the Sikh Religious Society of Wisconsin has hosted. The event's organizer says after seeing the turnout this year, they are considering hosting two blood drives each year.