Last August, 21-year-old Jacob Holmes was rushed to the emergency room where he received blood and platelet transfusions following a motorcycle accident. Despite the care he received, Jacob went into hemorrhagic shock and tragically died from internal injuries.

While the transfusions were not enough to save his life, Jacob鈥檚 mother Toni Gontarz is grateful that blood was available and 鈥渄id help give him a chance to survive.鈥� She鈥檚 organizing a blood drive in Jacob鈥檚 memory to give others that same hope.

The first Jacob Holmes Memorial Blood Drive will be held on Saturday, April 26 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, 109 Gypsy Hill Road in Landenberg, Chester County. To schedule an appointment to donate, , visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code Jacob Holmes, or call 1-800-REDCROSS.

Toni describes her son as 鈥渁n amazing person鈥� and 鈥渁 hard worker.鈥� After graduating from Avon Grove High School in 2021, he immediately went to work at Partitions Plus as a general carpenter, following his lifelong dream of entering the same line of work as his dad.

鈥淛ake spent his free time always helping someone. His heart was huge,鈥� shared Toni. 鈥淗e was always happy, smiling and cracking jokes.鈥�

According to his mom, Jacob enjoyed watching the Phillies, Eagles and 76ers and went to games whenever possible. He also had 鈥渁 burning love for modifying his 2022 Honda Accord鈥� and was very dedicated to his family.

鈥淛ake鈥檚 mantra in life was 鈥榊OLO,鈥� you only live once,鈥� she said. 鈥淗e was wise beyond his years 鈥� such an old soul.鈥�

Jacob鈥檚 legacy lives on in the generous donors who come out to give blood in his memory.

All who come to give in April will be automatically entered for a chance to win a $5,000 gift card. There will be three lucky winners. Additionally, all those who come to give April 14-30, 2025 will receive an exclusive Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last. See for details on all the offers.

About the luckywin:

The luckywin shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit or , or follow us on social media.