| Blood
drive meets goal
“I am so excited that we made our goal this time,” commented Brenda Kaschmitter, blood drive co-chair.“I didn’t think we would, but thanks to several last minute walk-ins we actually exceeded our 74 unit goal by one.” There were 67 usable ‘regular’ units and 4 ‘double’ units (which count for 8) collected. During a ‘double’ red cell donation, blood is drawn from one arm and channeled through a sterile single-use collection set to an automated machine. The machine separates and collects two units of red cells and then safely returns the remaining blood components, along with some saline, back through the same arm. Donors had to meet specific criteria in order to donate the two units of blood; height, weight, age and specific blood type. The four donors who met the criteria were; Virgil Frei, Brenda Kaschmitter, Ted Schmidt and Terry Cochran. “Once again a big thank you to all the wonderful volunteers; without them this blood drive would not be possible; Doris Sonnen, Marlene Jungert, Judy Forsman, Theresa Uptmor, Bobbie Schmidt, Carol Lauer, VFW Post 491 and Austin Sonnen,” said Cheri Holthaus, blood drive co-chair.“The volunteer duties include, putting up signs, making lunch for the Red Cross workers, escorting donors, checking in donors and offering maple bars, water and juice. We have some of the best volunteers around.” said Holthaus. “I would also like to thank Stacie Jackson who filled in for me for several hours so I could attend a special pre-school function for my granddaughter.” “We would like to acknowledge our three first time donors; Katherine Kaschmitter, Stephanie Arnzen and Holli Uhlorn, we are hoping they will become life-long donors no matter where they live,” said Holthaus. Along with the first time donors there were several who received milestone pins. Erin Coursey received a 1 gallon pin and Leona Marie received a 2 gallon pin. Stacie Jackson and Denise Poxleitner both received their 4 gallon pins. A very special thank you to all of these folks for their continued dedication to the Red Cross. Co-chairs; Brenda and Cheri would also like thank the employees of St. Mary’s Hospital for their wonderful support of the blood drive by coming in and donating. The hospital also purchases the maple bars, fruit and vegetables the donors enjoy after giving blood. The next blood drive will be held on March 17th; if you would like to make an appointment to give that day please contact Brenda or Cheri at 962-3251. 
Terry Cochran met all the criteria to be a double red cell donor. |
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