By Joe Ragusa
BLOOMINGTON – Blood donations decline this time of year and that’s why the Red Cross is hosting its 17th annual Give the Gift of Life holiday blood drive Tuesday at the Chateau Hotel and Conference Center.
“This time of year, it’s really important between Christmas and New Year’s to get people out to give blood,” Steve Stoewer, director of blood services with Red Cross of the Heartland said. “It’s harder to have people available with people traveling for the holidays and getting seasonal illnesses.”
Stoewer said winter weather also drives down donations and despite the storm Monday, he’s optimistic about turnout.
“I think people are still recuperating and putting in sub pumps and dealing with the aftermath, so I think it could affect (turnout) today,” Stoewer said. “I’m hoping we’ll still get enough people out here to meet our goal.”
That goal is to collect 104 units of blood today since WJBC’s sister station B104 has been a sponsor of the blood drive since it started. It runs until 5 p.m.
Joe Ragusa can be reached at joe.ragusa@cumulus.com.
