Post Messenger Recorder -

This is a letter to all of the wonderful people who made the Monticello Red Cross Blood Drive on the 5th of October a success. I learned a lot at the drive this time. One thing was that the fish haven’t been biting because of the wind. Then there was talk that the fish haven’t been biting because there is too much water. And everyone agreed that there has been too much rain (apparently even the fish). The Zwingli church basement, where we usually have the blood mobile, had water seeping in. Thanks to Don Roe and RoAnn Rolph, we were able to set up on the first floor of the church. After that little kerfuffle, it was all systems go.

We had donors lining up before Noon and it was after 6:00 p.m. before the last person left the canteen. Some donors had to wait far too long, but they were kind and patient. Unfortunately, with all of the flooding across the US, the Red Cross has had to use many of their resources in other areas. We have been in contact with our representative at the Red Cross and have asked that they send a larger crew for our next drives. We had a wonderful turn-out, with 48 people registering to give blood and fifty units of blood being collected. Ali Risley donated for the first time and was also our youngest donor.

Our canteen was well-supplied with food and drinks. We want to thank the following people for their contribution to the canteen: Gempeler’s Supermarket for three kinds of Green County cheese, Monticello Lionesses for so many delicious cookies, Colony Brands for two types of cheese, sausage, petite fours, and cake balls, Monticello Lions for white and chocolate milk and crackers, and Karen Brugger for fresh fruit. The donors could sit and enjoy snacks and visit with friends and neighbors. We would like to thank Rosemary Avery and Lucy Elmer for, once again, working in the kitchen with Karen and Annamarie. You make a great team!

We also need to thank the Monticello Lions for helping with set-up and tear-down of tables, chairs, beds, etc. Thanks also to members of the Monticello HS National Honor Society for helping carry stuff into the church. Many thanks to Zwingli Church for letting us use their facilities and for being willing to let is move to higher ground.

One last conversation of note for the day: a couple of members of the Monticello HS volleyball team donated blood. The team is in third place in their conference, behind Black Hawk and Argyle, with one more conference game left. Keep up the great work, ladies. Go Ponies!

The next blood drive scheduled for Monticello will be held at the Monticello High School in December.

Best Wishes to all for a wonderful Holiday Season from the Monticello Blood Drive Committee