Dear Editor,

First of all, in case I forget, Happy Holidays to everyone!

Thank you to everyone who made our Red Cross Blood Drive on the 16th of October a roaring success. We started the day with an almost full schedule. It wasn’t a beautiful day, but everyone was happy to be out and about. The nurses were kind and efficient and they worked hard to keep everything on schedule. It was delightful to be a part of the action.

Forty-three people registered as donors, with one first-time donor: Ellen C. At the end of the day, forty-two pints of blood were collected.

Gempeler’s Supermarket donated ice cream bars for the canteen. Thanks go out to them for the special treat. Thank you also to the Monticello Lions for their donation of chocolate milk and for helping with set-up and tear-down. And thanks also to Culver’s of New Glarus for the Pint-for-a-Pint coupons. Our canteen supplies are not as interesting and filling as they were previously, but the camaraderie is still present.

Many donors have been taking advantage of Rapid Pass, which expedites the registration process. The RC nurses recommend scheduling an appointment when it is possible. The donor schedules for many blood drives fill up very quickly and they are not always able to take walk-ins. Your tip for the day from people who know!

Thank you for being willing to take the time to give others a chance to live happy and healthy lives. We are lucky to have so many kind and generous people in this area.

Best Regards to All,

The Monticello Red Cross Blood Drive Committee