Respectfully submitted by Kaywyn J. Beswick, R.N./Morrison Blood Program Leader
The November American Red Cross Blood Drive was held at Morrison United Methodist Church, 200 W. Lincolnway, Morrison, IL, in their Heritage Hall, from noon to 6:00 p.m., on Thursday, November 21, 2019. It was exactly one week before Thanksgiving. There was so much to be thankful for on this day!
In appreciation for our donors and volunteers, the American Red Cross gave each presenting donor a free 8″ pumpkin pie, baked by Sullivan’s Foods Bakery Staff. Thank you, Sullivan’s and Lori Wheelington, Bakery Manager.
Thank you, UMC, for allowing us to utilize your church hall for the blood drives; we appreciate your generosity. Our sponsor for the day was the St. Mary’s Catholic Church parishioners. Those who purchased, prepared, and served the lunch were Lana Nugent, Connie Helms, Fran Plude, Deb Hauptman, Betsy Prombo, Judy Conboy, Shirley Blasdell, Jackie Jevne, Mary Jane Linke, Jeanie House, and Mary and Vern Latwesen. I am grateful for my home Catholic Church for taking over the November drives every year.
Volunteers who helped throughout the drive room were Marian Dykema, Deb Hauptman, Ron Wiersema, Mary and Vern Latwesen, Deb Wikoff, Jackie Jevne, Sandy Schroeder, and Marilyn Akker. I am thankful for my faithful volunteers. Many thanks to the Rotarians who came to help unload the truck; they were Rev. James Camp, Father James Brzenzski, and Dr. Brad Yaklich. Thank you for your dependability.
The ARC goal for the drive was 55, and we had 55 people come through the doors to donate blood. Thankfully, we exceeded our goals with 62 units collected! Generous donors who gave of their time and personal blood products were numerous. We had four first-time donors; that is a record for the drives that I’ve coordinated over the last ten years. They were Sophie Prombo, Shanna Given, and a man-and-wife couple who did not want their names published. But I know who you two are, and I appreciate you both. Congratulations, Sophie and Shanna, for joining the ranks of fellow blood donors; may it become a good habit for you both.
There were ten power-red-cells/double-red-cell donors: Vern Latwesen, Mark Schuler, Mark Zinnen, Tom Rosenbaum, Dwaine Schroeder, Joe R. Bielema, Ron Shank, and three gentlemen who did not want their names published. But I know who you guys are, and I am thankful for you.
The rest of the wonderful donors who came out to save lives were Richard Swanson, David Brandon, Jr., Mary Latwesen, Randy Kuehl, Julie Damhoff, Stephanie Vavra, Deb Adolph, Kristine Honeycutt, Bryan Vogel, Lyle Bush, Ken Gooley, Luke Vander Bleek, Chris Hawkins, Beth Wroble, Brad Bielema, Virginia Ewurs, Margaret Barr, Debbie Wilson, Connie Tegeler, Bob Bartel, Scott Vance, Susan Noble, Joe Sage, Sarah Bull, Kevin Feller, Jill Vegter, Tim West, Susan Gomez, Nancy Shank, Dave Temple, Pam Shank, Kurt Stralow, Connie Swanson-DeSpain, Kaywyn Beswick, and eight more gentlemen who did not want their names published. Again, I know who you are, and I appreciate you all. Thankfully, there were only two deferrals, which is a record low for my drives, and that is fantastic!
The Morrison Blood Drives that I coordinate, and that I am the Blood Program Leader for, are in the “Premier Blood Partner Program.” This prestigious group includes the most committed partners that contribute to the community and National blood supply, at the highest level. To qualify, we have to collect at least 50 units per year, with an average drive size of 30 or more units, and obtain or exceed drive goals. I am so very proud of our very generous community and the faithful donors who attend our drives. The ARC staff has complimented us more than once, stating our volunteers are the friendliest, and our donors are the most courteous and patient donors that they encounter! Also, the staff loves our food, music, and generally hospitable environment at our drives. I cannot thank our blood drive donors and volunteers enough. You are the best!
The next ARC blood drive will be on Thursday, January 16, 2020, from noon to 6:00 p.m., at Morrison United Methodist Church Heritage Hall, 200 W. Lincolnway, Morrison. The sponsor will be the UMC Mission Group. Bring a spouse, friend, neighbor, or coworker with you! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!