About four hours after the terrorist attack in New York City on Tuesday, Sept. 11, the local American Red Cross Chapter asked Masons in Greensburg if they could arrange very quickly to conduct an emergency blood drive the next day. The "Over the Hill Gang," a club of Masons at the Greensburg Masonic Center that historically conducts two blood drives a year, responded at once. Indeed, an amazingly successful emergency blood drive was held the next day and when it ended at 6 p.m., 162 pints of blood had been collected.

By 5 p.m., Sept. 11, less than four hours after the call, all arrangements were made ­ use of the Masonic Center, helpers to assist, food to feed both the donors and the helpers, and various items and furnishings necessary to hold a successful blood drive. On Sept. 12, the doors opened at 9 a.m. By 10 o'clock, the Masonic Center was overflowing with potential donors ­ the social room, lodge room, and lobby were full, and more were waiting outside.

More than 500 persons had responded, some waiting three hours to donate blood. Those who could not be accommodated that day were advised where blood drives would be held the next day. During the day, super markets, restaurants, and pizza shops sent food. At first, the Over the Hill Gang thought they would have too much food, but as the drive continued, it was consumed.