Dear Editor,

The Monticello Red Cross Blood Drive took place on Friday, October 6, 2017, at the Zwingli Church. It was wonderful to have many people come to donate blood on a cloudy, rainy, autumn afternoon.

As always, our canteen was well stocked with food. Thank you to Colony Brands for their donation; also to the Monticello Lionesses and Lions for the white and chocolate milk and crackers. Silver Lewis Cheese donated delicious Cheddar, Brick, and Muenster cheese, which received rave reviews from the folks who visited the canteen. Thank you also to Washington Reformation church for their wonderful cookies - sugar, peanut butter, and oatmeal raisin (also a favorite). Donna Fergusen and Rosemary Avery did a lovely job of keeping the table well supplied and made sure everyone was fed. As in the past, Culver’s “Pint for a Pint” coupons were offered to all blood donors.

Thank you also to Donna Durtschi for taking care of the reception area and to Anna Marie Davison for being there to keep everything running smoothly all day. Last, but not least, thank you to the eight National Honor Society students who helped with unloading and setup for the blood drive. There are so many people that made this blood drive a success!

The Red Cross was able to collect 39 units of blood, which was less than our goal of 50 units, but still good. One of the technicians for the blood drive and one canteen helper, Rosemary Avery, did double duty and also donated blood during a lull. There were also two first-time donors, who we hope will be coming back again and again.

The Red Cross is working to simplify and expedite the blood donation process. You can go onto their website and schedule your donation time and also do Rapid Pass, which allows you to read the required information ahead of time. The Monticello Blood Drive Committee would like to get your feedback on how to improve your experience. Please contact us if you have suggestions or comments and we will propose your ideas to the Red Cross staff.

Thank you and have a wonderful holiday season from the Monticello Red Cross Blood Drive Committee!

Joni Waelchli-Buehl, Karen Brugger, Anna Marie Davison, and Jerry Wettach