Post Messenger Recorder -

Dear Editor,

We would like to thank everyone who came out to the Red Cross Blood Drive at the Zwingli Church in Monticello on June 23, 2017. It was a successful day, with 42 units of blood collected. That was below our goal of 50 units for the drive, but we hope to make up the difference in October. Other than the usual rush at the start of the drive (Noon to 1:00 is the busiest time), no one had to wait long after registration. Many people use RapidPass, which helps the registration process move quickly because potential donors can read the Red Cross information booklet before they get to the blood drive.

As always, the canteen was well supplied with food and drink. After donating, patrons relaxed and enjoyed cookies from the Monticello Lioness Club, cheese and crackers and sausage from Gempeler’s Market, and desserts from Colony Brands. The milk was purchased with a donation from the Monticello Community Club and there was juice and coffee for all to enjoy. Donors could take meat snacks supplied by Jack Links and “Pint for a Pint” coupons from Culver’s with them when they left. Thanks to Karen and AnnaMarie, along with volunteers Rosemary Avery and Lucille Elmer, everyone got the attention they deserved.

My apologies go to the Blumer Family, who I identified as the Blum family previously. They returned in force to donate, with Dad and two of the three sons donating in tandem. It is always good to see young people taking an interest in giving blood. It is not the easiest volunteering that you can do, but it helps so many people in many ways.

We give a special shout-out to the Monticello High School Girls basketball team for helping to set up the site and to the Monticello Lions for helping to take down at the end of the day. It ends up being a seamless process with so many helping hands.

Thank you to everyone and hope to see you in October!

Best Wishes for a Healthy Summer to all, from the Monticello Blood Drive Committee