Rotarians host another successful blood drive
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When there are so many things going on in our world that people can’t do anything about, one thing that most of us can do is give blood. To that end, the Vandalia Rotary held its first Red Cross blood drive of the year last Tuesday.
As there is always a need for blood, and donors can give no more often than every 56 days and no more than six times in a 365 day period, one of the things that the Red Cross does is to assign a goal for every drive based on an average of how many units were collected in the past several drives, how many have signed up for appointments for the current drive and other variables that factor in.
The Vandalia Rotary sponsorship of the Red Cross Blood Drive has been ongoing for more than 40 years now.
One of the reasons for the continuing success of the Rotary drives, especially considering how many other drives are now held in the area, is the community’s buy in to meeting the goal.
Throughout the day of the drive, many of the regular donors are concerned about “What is the goal today?” and “How many units we have so far?” and “Are we going to make our goal today?”
Many donors make a point of being available for the Rotary blood drives, and look forward to it with anticipation. A lot of them say they much prefer to give blood at the Rotary drive as opposed to another one.
It is this kind of participation that makes being a part of the blood drive so rewarding.
From long-time regular donors to occasional donors to first-time donors, all seem to enjoy being a part of it.
When they find out what the goal is for the day, they all want to be a part of that as well.
Perhaps the refreshments of chicken salad and ham sandwiches, drinks and snacks don’t hurt, but really it’s about giving back in this small way.
Taking time out of your day once every couple of months to give blood … and help save lives.
The goal for the Jan. 12 blood drive was 90 units, and 106 people presented themselves in attempt to help reach that goal.
While it is disappointing, some of the donors have to be turned away, most often for low blood iron, but also for other reasons.
In the end for the Jan. 12 drive, 93 units were successfully collected, meeting the goal for the day.
Red Cross expresses its appreciation to the Vandalia Rotary Club for its sponsorship, the Vandalia Moose Lodge for allowing the use of its newly remodeled venue, the volunteers for their continued support to do intake of donors and help make up drinks and sandwiches, and, of course, the donors.
Whether the donor was successfully able to give or not, each donor takes time from his or her day to come out and give. Without the donors, none of this would be possible.
Donor Sarah Durr with collection tech Ashley Kay.
Donor Doug Kline on the double red machine with Red Cross technician Charmaine Terrell.
American Red Cross collection tecnician Brooke Schnepper prepares donor Leanne Rinehart to her donation of blood.