The Community Blood Center closed early today after a donor accidentally drove her vehicle through a front window at the center.

No one was hurt, said Kathy Belanger, a recruiter for the blood center, 1410 Kasold Drive.

“We just felt bad for the driver,” Belanger said. “She was coming to help save lives. We’re hoping she’s OK.”

It was about 12:45 p.m. when Cathy Waller, the driver, arrived to donate blood. Belanger said Waller drove her car into what is usually used as a waiting room. No one was in the room at the time.

“It was an accident,” said Tom Waller, Cathy Waller’s husband. “She just hit the accelerator instead of the brake.”

Waller said his wife wasn’t hurt, but “was just shook up.”

He said they have insurance, which likely will cover the damage to the building. Belanger said she couldn’t estimate the amount of damage done, but hoped the center would re-open Monday. A crew from a glass company was at the site Friday surveying the damage.

Belanger said closing early Friday would effect the total blood intake. The center provides donated blood to 75 hospitals in Kansas and Missouri including Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

“It’s not a good way to end the week,” she said.

The blood center is dealing with a blood supply shortage for Type O blood and blood platelets.

Belanger said employees called to reschedule appointments with three people and turned another woman away who came to donate.