| Blood
drive reaches goal
“I am so excited that we made our goal again this time,” commented Brenda Kaschmitter, blood drive co-chair.“I didn’t think we would; a lot of our regular donors had to cancel because they had the flu or a cold, but thanks to a last minute walk-in we made our goal of 74 units right on the nose.” We had one donor; Joshua Frei who was able to do the ‘double’ red cell donation. 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 have to meet specific criteria in order to donate the two units of blood; height, weight, age and specific blood type. “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, Norma Schumacher, 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. “We would like to acknowledge our four first time donors; Andrew Ellison, Diara Laurino, Nathan Beckman and Bridget Beckman we are hoping they will become life-long donors no matter where they live,” said Kaschmitter. Along with the first time donors there were several who received milestone pins. Sr. Barbara Bielenberg and Teresa Bryant both received a 1 gallon pin and Sande Ransom received a 2 gallon pin. Sheri Daly and Brandy McElroy both received their 3 gallon pins. Brent Goeckner received a 5 gallon pin and Sharon Schaeffer received her 8 gallon pin. 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 June 9th; if you would like to make an appointment to give that day please contact Brenda or Cheri at 962-3251. 
Sally Rehder and Sr. Katie Cooper are regular donors who are comfortable with the routine of giving. Photo provided by Cheri Holthaus. |
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