The goal for the Cottonwood Community Blood drive this time was 69 pints, but we were able to collect 78. We had 86 donors sign in, and out of those we collected 62 pints of blood, and 8 double red blood units (which counts for 16) and 4 units of plasma. “We couldn’t accomplish this time after time if it weren’t for the support we receive from our loyal donors” commented Brenda Kaschmitter, blood drive chair.
“And once again we need to thank our great volunteers; without them this blood drive would not be possible; Judy Forsman, Mary Lorentz, Sally Rehder, Theresa Uptmor, Lydia Deiss, Gloria Funke, Dar Forsmann and last, but certainly not least, Colleen Sonnen, who took time away from her busy retired life to be my second in command. “The volunteer duties include, checking in and escorting donors, and offering water and juice. We would also like to thank the VFW for supplying the lunch for the Vitalant crew” said Brenda, we truly have some of the best volunteers around.”
Brenda would also like thank the 23 employees of St. Mary’s Health that took the time from their busy day to come in to support the blood drive by donating and would like to thank the hospital for sponsoring this blood drive as well as allowing the employees to come in and donate during their workday.
The next blood drive will be held on November 17, 2026; 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. And remember…one pint of blood can save up to 3 lives…and it might be someone you love that needs that pint of blood some day!