St. Paul's Blood Drive a success

Philip Burger donating blood at the St. Paul's Lutheran Blood Drive held Wednesday, Jan. 22.
Philip Burger donating blood at the St. Paul's Lutheran Blood Drive held Wednesday, Jan. 22.

With severe winter weather upon us the American Red Cross asked all eligible blood and platelet donors to help offset a weather-related shortfall in donations.

Approximately 300 blood drives across 25 states were canceled across the U.S. due to snow and extreme cold. The blood drive cancellations resulted in a shortfall of nearly 8, 800 blood and platelet donations since Jan. 2. 

In the Missouri-Illinois Blood Services Region, severe winter weather forced the cancellation of nearly 30 Red Cross blood drives, resulting in about 875 fewer than expected blood donations.

Fortunately the weather was a bit chilly but nice, so St. Paul's Lutheran Church was able to open their doors and host a blood drive Wednesday, Jan. 22.

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Tony Wilson and Zack Rose

In regards to the turn out Jean McBride stated, "We only had 25 to make appointments, however we have already had 26 donors and the day is young." She went on to say, "I have been helping with the blood drive longer than I can remember." She added, "I will stay here and register people as long as they will come, all night if necessary." McBride and Margaret Bieri were at the door welcoming and registering donors when they arrived.

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California Alderman Charlie Roll was awaiting his turn to give blood and shared, "I give blood at least twice a year. It seems there is always a shortage of blood and I think it is something we should all do."

Philip and Susan Burger were donating blood Wednesday as well. Philip said he had been giving blood every possible time since he was old enough. He added "My grandmother started this blood drive and if you didn't sign up she would guilt you into giving. So it has just become something I always do." Susan was also donating and stated, "I got started with Philip's grandmother, however, it really hit home when my mother was diagnosed with cancer and needed blood." The Burgers like many California families give the gift of life through the blood donation as often as possible.

St. Paul's had a very successful drive collecting over 40 units of blood