At the end of November, 4-year-old Jace Jablonski from Navasota will be going into open heart surgery.

The Jablonski’s asked for anyone with O-positive and O-negative blood types to give blood in Jace's name for the surgery, but the family says they’re overwhelmed by how many people stepped up to help.

Tuesday morning, people filed into the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center in College Station to lend a hand, or in this case an arm, in the family's time of need. Each person had their own reason for helping a little boy they had never even met.

Charlie Zapalac drove in from nearby Carlos to give blood, because his son David also had open heart surgery when he was first born.

“We've been through the same thing they're about to go through. We sat there the day of surgery and lived it all. And I thought that through David we could be an inspiration to them that they can make it,” said Zapalac.

Gene Baldobino came to College Station from Navasota.

“Because he's 4 years old. He's just a kid. And it’s Christmas,” said Baldobino.

Leon Holgate says he wanted to help, because he has three kids of his own.

“You know, as a parent you feel compelled. You need to help in any way I can. So I thought, you need to go donate some blood at least,” said Holgate.

There's still a way you can help if you didn't get a chance to donate blood. You can donate money to help the family with medical costs by going to any Citizens State Bank. The fund is in Jace Jablonski's name.