Hundreds of people turned out to give blood at Rutland's annual Gift of Life Marathon. But the estimated tally of 1,800 pints fell short of a national record.

Hundreds of people packed Rutland's Paramount Theatre and two other locations today hoping to help the city set a record for the largest single-day blood drive in the nation. 

Organizers of the annual gift of life Marathon in Rutland hope to set a new record today and host the largest blood drive in the nation. Close to two thousand people will need to role up their sleeves to do it.

Bob Young, the former head of Central Vermont Public Service, says the annual Gift of Life blood drive that CVPS co-sponsors has taken on a special significance to him. Young was recently diagnosed with Leukemia and blood and platelet donations have been critical in helping him fight the disease.

Rutland's Gift of Life Marathon has announced that it aims to collect at least 1,969 pints of blood in December.

Organizers of Rutland's Gift of Life Marathon are celebrating. The blood drive shattered Boston's one day record and topped last year's total by over 350 pints.

Each December, the people of Rutland come together to give a very special Christmas present -- blood. The annual Gift of Life Marathon provides a huge amount of blood at a time when supplies are often critically low. Last year, the event brought in over one thousand pints. Per capita, it's the largest single day donation in the nation.   

Every year, hundreds of people gather in Rutland for an unusual holiday party at the Paramount Theater. There are presents, refreshments and lots of good cheer.  The only catch?  You have to give blood.