MADISON, Wis. -- Despite the winter weather -- a mix of rain, sleet and snow -- organizers of the Holiday Blood Drive in Madison said Thursday that they met their goal.

"We've been doing this blood drive for 24 years," said Sarah Stevermer, spokeswoman. "It really helps us build the blood supply going into the new year, but what we collect can go to local hospitals, it can help patients across the country. People like that it can help those at home and throughout the U.S."

The drive was held at Alliant Energy Center. Organizers with the Badger Chapter of the American Red Cross said there was a steady flow of donors from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday.

The Red Cross said 686 people donated blood -- 36 more than they expected.

"This is a great way for us to make sure we have a sufficient blood supply -- and we do at this time -- and it's also helping us recoup some of the losses we had when the winter weather hit a couple of weeks ago," said Stevermer.