Mississippi Blood Services will be holding a special blood drive for Donnie Dotson, a former Batesville police officer, who was shot in January when two men robbed his place of employment.

The blood drive will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 17, at Mississippi Blood Service Draw Station in Oxford.

All donors will receive a T-shirt and can now check their total cholesterol on the MBSConnect account.

Dotson served with the Batesville Police Department from 2008 until 2012.

He was working outside of a Coffeeville convenience store when he apparently noticed suspicious activity inside. As Dotson approached the store’s front windows, several shots were fired from inside the store, including one that passed through the window and struck him in the neck. The bullet broke Dotson’s collarbone and nicked his carotid artery, according to a story in The Panolian newspaper.

Because he needed blood during his treatment, Dotson now wants to pay it forward. In his words:

“Thanks for the outpouring of prayers and support from all family, friends, concerned citizens, all law enforcement, MBI, EMS, Wings, the Med, Timmy McCoy, Sr., Yalobusha community and surrounding communities and to any and all who have called, visited, and given monetary donations. So thankful to the Lord for sparing my life. We give him all the praise.”

Dotson said in a written press release: “I appreciate all who are willing to donate to help me give back. Special thanks to Mississippi Blood Services for organizing and setting up the blood drive. To all those who played a part in making this happen. To Jacqueline Spencer for getting the ball rolling on this project. To Jennifer Hudson and Jennifer Homan for coordinating this event. Thanks to everyone for your help with this event.”

Donors must be at least 17 years old (16 years old with signed parental consent. A form is available online at msblood.com), weigh at least 110 pounds and have a valid ID.

Visit msblood.com or call (888) 90-BLOOD (902-5663) for more information.

MBS is located at 2627 W. Oxford Loop, Suite C, in Oxford.