Blood drive exceeds goal
Once again our community came out in great numbers to support this blood drive. We had 91 people register, and out of those we collected 5 plasma units, 57 units of whole blood and 15 Double/Power Red (which counts for 30 regular units) for a total of 92 blood products”, which surpassed our goal of 79 units, said blood drive chairman Brenda Kaschmitter.
“I would like to thank the school district for letting us use the auxiliary gym since the Community Hall was not available. And once again I want to thank our great volunteers, Linda Arnzen, Lydia Deiss, Judy Forsman, Joyce Lorentz, Mary Lorentz, Colleen Sonnen, Sylvia Uhling, 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 28employees of St. Mary’s Healththat 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 Shane Chapman and his art class for making the sign to direct people to the auxiliary gym, and Cheri Holthaus for helping get it all arranged at the last minute…it truly does take a village!
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 onJanuary 23, 2024; 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.