Dear Editor,

The Polar Vortex did interfere with our annual winter Belleville Kiwanis-Econo-misers Red Cross Blood Drive on January 29th. Though we did not reach our goal, the Red Cross was pleased to add 33 units to its depleted supply of blood.

We were surprised at the number of eager donors who arrived early to participate, despite the below zero temperatures and weather warnings! However, the Red Cross announced that, for safety concerns, the hours of the Drive had to be shortened. Thus, not everyone who came was able to contribute. There were many disappointed individuals.

We do want to thank everyone who came to donate.

Donors included Russell Cichy, Denny Meyer Sr., Dawn Marie Sass, Kyle Olson, Randy Zimmerman, Mike O’Connor, Delores Butler, Madeline Bartels, Cade Miller, Marie Venden, Linda Drea, Kurt Schadewalt, Eric Shrader, Madeline Schoeller, Brian Wildt, Kathy Gobel, Joe Lacy, Dan Eggerding, Terry Kringle, Jackson Richter, Tamara Houser, Gary Salmela, Joleen Elsing, Leone Olstad, Carol Keller, Duane Austin, Nita Duerst, Juanita Harbort, and Jason C. Jelle.

Volunteers for this drive were Fred and Sue Bonacker, Jerry and Yvonne Remy, Doug and JoAnn Gruber Hagen, Pastor George Kaminsky, Ernie and Jeanine Mabis, Mary Steers, Sara Novotny, Barbara Belle, and students from J.P. Pamperin’s Health Class.

We also want to thank Saint Francis of Assisi, for again hosting our Blood Drive in their St. Mary’s of Lourdes church, the Post Messenger Recorder, Culver’s of New Glarus (which provides “Pint for Pint” coupons for donors}, the Belleville Public Works Department, the volunteers, and especially the donors.

Yvonne Remy and Barbara Belle,

Belleville Kiwanis and Econo-misers