Once again our community came out in droves to support this blood drive. We had 95 people register, and out of those we collected 4 plasma units, 76 units of whole blood and 6 Double/Power Red (which counts for 12) for a total of 92 blood products”, which surpassed our goal of 85 units, said blood drive chairman Brenda Kaschmitter.
“And once again I want to thank our great volunteers, Judy Forsman, Lydia Deis, Kathy Kuther, Teresa Uptmor, Linda Arnzen, Kathy Stubbers, Sylvia Uhling,Colleen Sonnen and VFW Post 491” said Kaschmitter.“The volunteer duties include, making lunch for the Vitalant workers, checking in and escorting donors, and offering maple bars, water and juice. We love our volunteers, and couldn’t pull this off without their help”.
I would also like thank the 31 employees of St. Mary’s Hospital that took the time from their busy day to come in to support the blood drive by donating, and also thank the hospital for allowing the employees to come down to donate and for purchasing the maple bars that the donors enjoy after giving blood. 
And last but certainly not least, I would like to also extend a HUGE thank you to our first time donors, Donna Nuxoll and Araceli Gonzales-Jimenez, hopefully this will now become a lifetime practice for both of them!
The need for blood donation is constant, and 63% of Americans or eligible to donate blood, but less than 5% actually donate on a regular basis. The next blood drive will be held on April 11, 2023; if you would like to make an appointment to give that day please contact Brenda Kaschmitter at 962-2112 or you can self-schedule by going online at www.vitalant.org.