On Thursday, June 8, the University of Central Florida will host a blood drive to commemorate nearly a year since the Pulse nightclub shooting just South of Downtown Orlando.

On June 12, 2016, a shooter took the lives of 49 people, two students at UCF, leading to the deadliest mass shooting in the United States. The community outreach stretched across the globe. At UCF alone, 10 blood drives from June 13-27 gathered 424 donated units of blood and 74 new bone-marrow donor registrations, according to UCF.

The blood drive will take place in the Pegasus Ballroom of the UCF Student Union from 2 p.m. through 8 p.m.

Juan Guerrero, a pre-finance student, and Christopher Leinonen, alumnus, Bachelor’s and Master’s in Psychology, were killed in the nightclub. The two planned to have a wedding together although would not see those dreams come through. A remarkable show of support and action from Orlando and its community – including the Orlando Magic, Orlando City Soccer Club, Walt Disney World, UCF, and more – memorializes Guerrero, Leinonen, and 47 others.

“I encourage you to remember and reflect in whatever way feels comfortable for you. As I said last year: UCF stands with our LGBTQ+ students, faculty, staff and alumni. And I am proud that UCF is a place where love, respect and inclusion guide all that we do,” UCF President John C. Hitt said.

Students can register to donate at oneblood.org. Walk-ins are welcome.

Facebook event page.

Video courtesy of UCF.