Donors brave weather for blood drive

IRONWOOD — Despite snowy weather, donors flocked to the Ironwood Memorial Building for the annual Red Cross Blood Drive Wednesday.

According to volunteer coordinator Betsy Slabaugh, some people were unable to attend the event because of wintery conditions.

“We had a couple of people cancel because of the weather, but our walk-ins made up for it,” she said.

Repeat donors who have given 25 units or more were awarded goodie bags to celebrate their donations.

“We had 63 people in this area who have given over 25 units of blood to the Red Cross,” Slabaugh said. “That shows that we have loyal donors in this area.”

For those who missed the drive, students at Luther L. Wright School in Ironwood are hosting a drive today from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the John Krznarich Gymnasium.

“I hope people will attend that, because they are trying to get a scholarship through the Red Cross,” Slabaugh said.

The next blood drive at the Memorial Building has been scheduled for May 15, and according to Slabaugh, people should get ready.

“It’s from noon to 6 p.m., and I hope to see a lot of people there,” she said.

For more information, or to make an appointment for the next drive, call Slabaugh at 906-932-5478.

—Cortney Ofstad