The report was submitted by Kaywyn J. Beswick, R.N./Morrison ARC Blood Drive Coordinator.
“Top o’ the morning to you all” was my mantra, as the second 2016 American Red Cross (ARC) blood drive in Morrison, IL, landed on St. Patrick’s Day! It brought out the “wearing of the green.” Those who came in sporting anything green had their name placed in a drawing. Twenty-one of our 49 donors were eligible; Susan Noble was our winner. She received a Sullivan’s $25 Gift Card because of the Irish name of the business and the color green–on aprons and gift cards this great grocery store, a hub of our town, has themed throughout their store. The weather was a wonderful spring tease, with the thermometer reaching 54 degrees.
Our sponsor for the day was “new to the blood drive volunteer list.” Kunes Country Auto Group of Morrison provided the monies for sandwiches, cookies, and beverages served at the canteen table. Thank you, Kunes employees and staff for coming on board and sponsoring the lunch provided to our donors. We get lots of compliments on our food choices here in Morrison. Some of the ARC staff even ask to come work at Morrison, because of our friendly atmosphere! Some MUMC ladies/friends managed the kitchen for Kunes. Those purchasing, preparing/baking, and serving the food were Jean Tichler, Mary Vos, Pat Marinangeli, Vicki Carroll, Eleanor Kelper, and Audrey Temple. Thanks to you wonderful women for a successful day!
The terrific people who came through our doors gave of their time and blood products, in order for those in need to have their lives extended. Those fabulous donors were Stephanie Vavra, Sue Mahoney, James “Tim” McGuire, Nancy Usterbowski, Lynn Reimer, Linda Temple, Randy Kuehl, Vicki Carroll, Lorna Temple, Ryan Sutton, Kent Stralow, Chris Hawkins, Keith Hamstra, Lisa Nice, Mark Schuler, Jim Fisher, Kristine Honeycutt, Harvey Tegeler, Connie Tegeler, Brad Bielema, Gwen Smith, Evan Haag, Marian Dykema, Bill Kuehl, Margaret Barr, Kaywyn Beswick, Tim West, Callie Bush, Susan Noble, Joe R. Bielema, Carolyn Aiken, Jill Vegter, Nancy Shank, and Michelle Goossens.
There were six great people who gave double-red cells, which are the equivalent of two units. They were Keith Wiersema, Linda Temple, Glenn Blacklock, Jerry Norman, Ron Shank, and one gentleman who did not want his name printed. We also had eight other whole blood donors who did not want their name printed as well. But I know who all of you are, and you are heroes, too as well as every name that I type! Julie Damhoff received a six-gallon pin, donating whole blood a total of 48 times and saving 144 lives by herself. Yay, Julie! Unfortunately, we had eight deferrals, which is kind of a high number for the drive. The American Red Cross actually plans for about a 7% deferral rate at their drives, and we had 16%. But we had 11 walk-ins that helped to balance the deferrals. We love walk-ins, those who are not scheduled, but drop by to help the cause.
I am so very grateful for all the caring hearts in the Morrison area.
Thanks to the faithful Kiwanis for helping unload the truck. They were Nick Becker, Lawrence “Ike” Isaacsen, and Deb Steifel. Appreciation for Morrison United Methodist Church for giving us a wonderful facility to house the blood drives. Also, gratitude to my volunteers who manned the stations around the room: Marian Dykema, Marcia Haag, Ron Wiersema, Maisie Renkes, Sandy Schroeder, Bridie Bartnicke, Marilyn Akker, and Marilyn Habben.
Our next ARC blood drive will be on Thursday, May 19, from noon to 6:00 p.m. at Morrison United Methodist Church, 200 W. Lincolnway, Morrison. Our Sponsor will be Bethesda Lutheran Church. Bring a spouse, friend, coworker, or neighbor. Give blood, save lives!