Dear Editor,

We want to thank all of the people who helped make our first Red Cross Blood Drive of 2020 a success. The 28th of February was a sunny, cold day and everyone was discussing what they were going to do when the weather warmed on the weekend.

As usual, the beginning of the day was the busiest time. The Red Cross nurses did a great job of interviewing and soon the beds were full. Forty-five people came to the blood drive and a total of 45 units of blood were collected. We were slightly short of our goal of 48 units, but that gives us something to work for in June.

We had one first-time donor who gave a double. Way to set the bar high, Tristan! One gentleman came all of the way from Orfordville. He undoubtedly heard about our wonderful canteen. Thanks to the following for their generous donations: Colony Brands for cheese and sausage and fancy desserts, Culver’s of New Glarus for their “Pint for a Pint” coupons, The Monticello Lions and Lionesses for crackers and milk and homemade cookies, Subway of New Glarus for their sub sandwiches (yum!), and Wisconsin Cheese Group for the cheddar cheese. So much delicious food to go along with the smiles and friendly conversations.

Thank you also to Rosemary Avery and Lucy Elmer for slicing and plating all of the goodies. And a special thanks to Kim Buehl for filling in so that I could go watch our granddaughter dance at a competition in Middleton. She was fabulous!

We were fortunate to have our drive before the pandemic hit. Our hearts go out to all of the communities around us that are now struggling to have their blood drives. These drives really bring people together in a positive way and create pride and purpose for many people. Blood collected at the Monticello drive in February had the potential to impact up to 135 people. Thank you all so much for sharing your good health! Hope to see everyone in June.

Best Wishes to all from the Monticello Red Cross Blood Drive Committee