By Megan Bennett
Dozens of citizens filed into the Central Square Gym today to give blood at a blood drive organized to honor the late Malik Sparkman, who at age 18 passed away on May 17 after a heroic struggle with kidney cancer. Through his upbeat and positive attitude in the face of insurmountable odds, Malik was able to bring Coffee County together in a way that had never before been seen.
Because of this Sgt. Tim Allmond of the Douglas Police Department, working with community relations coordinator Vince Fitzgerald, decided to organize this year’s blood drive in memory of Malik. His mother, Karen Sparkman; father, Keith Sparkman; and family were presented with a special plaque and certificate as a way of recognizing all that Malik did for the community. Following the presentation, the family stayed for the duration of the drive. All in all the blood drive raised over 40 units of blood.
