Rotary Blood Drive

Abe Award winner Karen Stokes takes time from her busy schedule to donate.

As usual, our regular community blood donors were ready and waiting at the door even before the March 2024 Blood Drive began. Long time donor, Paul Sidwell, with over a 100 units to his record, was the first to arrive on this day. The late winter Drive is always one of the slowest, so expectations were average. The goal of units to hopefully collect was 70.
By the end of the first hour, there had been 26 units collected. Not a bad start for a goal of 70. But, in the next couple of hours there were times when not a soul was waiting to donate. It began to look as if we might not reach that goal. Ah, but the donors of Vandalia and the surrounding area came through. When it was all over and the Blood Collection Supervisor gave us the final report, we had hit 70 on the nose!
Keep in mind the next Rotary Red Cross Blood Drive will be held on Tuesday May 14th, same time, same place.

Long time donor Steve Lach looking comfortable waiting for his blood donation with assist from Blood Collection Tech Natalie.

If you are looking for the best time to get in and out quickly while you are giving blood, remember that middle afternoon time frame when it is always slow so there is no waiting!
Thanks again to the Moose Lodge for allowing us to use their wonderful hall for the Blood Drive. Thanks again to our volunteers who help things go smoothly. And very special thanks to all of the Donors who took their time to help save lives by giving of their blood.