Blood drive reaches goal
The blood drive held on August 19, 2025, met our goal this time. We had 88 people register, and out of those we collected 63 units of whole blood and 7 Double/Power Red (which counts for 14) for a total of 77 blood products”, which surpassed our goal of71 units, we also collected 11 plasma units, said blood drive chairman Brenda Kaschmitter.
“And once again I want to thank our great volunteers, Colleen Sonnen, Linda Arnzen, Judy Forsman, Joyce Lorentz, Kathy Kuther, Teresa Uptmor and VFW Post 4902” 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 17 employees of St. Mary’s Hospital that took the time from their busy day to come in to support the blood drive by donating. I would also like to 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 extend a HUGE thank you to our first time donors, Lindsey McElroy and Steel Uhlenkott, hopefully this will now become a lifetime practice for both!
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 November 18, 2025; 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.