Once again our community came out in great numbers to support this blood drive. We had 94 people register, and out of those we collected 5 plasma units, 64 units of whole blood and 9 Double/Power Red (which counts for 18) for a total of 87 blood products”, which surpassed our goal of 79 units, said blood drive chairman Brenda Kaschmitter.
“And once again I want to thank our great volunteers, Colleen Sonnen, Judy Forsman, Mary Lorentz, Kathy Kuther, Kathy Stubbers, Sylvia Uhling, Sally Rehder, Teresa Uptmor 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 35employees 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 June 20, 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.