The gift of life is the best gift a person can give to one in need

There is no better way to describe the Red Cross blood drive than as a Christmas miracle. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, cold weather and a busy time of year, the Christmas spirit of giving was alive and well at Weiser’s quarterly blood drive on Dec. 9. In total, more than 100 people donated life-saving blood.

 As wonderful as it may sound, the day was not without problems. The large turnout was not anticipated by Red Cross employees, who were overwhelmed by the major influx.  

 Waiting times for donors were extended  causing some to leave and others turned away. Despite this, a large turnout is a good problem to have and plans are already being made for improved staffing at future drives.

 Over 300 lives may be saved because of the good people at this blood drive. Each unit donated can be used to help up to three people in need, and the gift of life is the best Christmas gift of all.

 All donors are special however some are especially amazing. Over the years, Larry Lee has donated 140 units, or 17.5 gallons of blood and Pat Sullivan has donated 125 units, or 15 plus gallons. Sixteen-year-old Whitney Turner has donated twice in her young life, possibly saving six lives.  

 At each drive, there are usually one or two first timers, however this time there were so many that blood drive organizers could not list them all. Three donors even drove all the way down from Baker City, Ore.

 The Red Cross and local organizers appreciate all donors. Donors who gave permission to print names are as follows:

 Jason Bair, Connie Lawrence, Sabrina Young, Jeff Kohler, Trisha Thomson, Selena Ankarberg, Mary Carole Kunz, Tim Erhard, Larry Lee, Rick Haynes, Brandon Smith, Fred Haun, Darin Walker, Bryant Walker, Judy Sterling, Lena Barbot, Ander Barbot, Gabriella Barbot, Rhonda Hirata, Daryn Young, Ralph Graham, Chris McCord, Rebecca Anderson, Bret Karnes, Brent Forward, Glade Gowans, Joe Milner, Rejeana Goolsby, Ralph Rowley, Freddie Hernandez, Judy Speropulos, Mari Bionaz, Suzanna Hubele, Steve Cooper, Barbara Huck, Pat Sullivan, Derry Bresee, Kindy Erhard, Randy Hibberd, Bob Barber, Barbara Barber, Zane Beams, Jo Huskey, Rachel Hawkins, Bryan Drake, Lupita Rodriguez, Jared Bain, Lorri Nakamura, Kelly Haun, Sam Luna, April Luna, Charles Winegardner, Kimberley Kimball, Jacob Evans, David Hopper, Tina Stirm, Sharon Robinson, Kevin Bouvia, Alex Conrad, Tammra Van Ness, Melissa Freeland, Scott Ellwood, Margaret Jensen, Brian Johnson, Kaitlyn Kyro, Molly Jensen, Jeff Nauman, Jeff Anderson, Sonia Sosa, Lila Harper, Michael Ryan, Patti Hartnett, Lucy Ross, Kami Terry, Mark Christensen, Allison Jenkins Simpson, Sherri Breaux, Sheleigh Turner, Whitney Turner, Melisse Hiner, Marty Hiner, Tammy Simmons and Allen Simmons.

 The blood drive would not be possible without the help of the volunteers. Blood drive coordinator, Alex Chavarria, pulled it all together by lining up and calling donors. Dorothy Evans ran the registration table during the drive and entered future appointments into the database. New resident Janet Forward took the temperature of all involved. Forward has lived in Weiser only six months and is already helping to make the town a great place to live.

 Special thanks to Lynnette Buller and The Metropole staff for donating sandwiches and cookies for blood donors as well as a delicious meal for volunteers and workers. “Once The Metropole begins selling ‘dinners to go’ at their new location, I will be the first in line. We are also grateful to MTE for their contribution that fund supplies and WIFI,” Dorothy Evans said.

 Weiser’s next quarterly blood drive is scheduled for March 10 at the Vendome Events Center from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Help keep the success rolling by calling Chavarria at 208-602-7138 or Evans at 208-549-5589 to schedule an appointment or visit the Red Cross website to reserve a time slot. 

 Your blood could save a life, and there is no better way to spend an hour of your time.