Blood drive to be held in honor of Noer, Geissler
COLFAX — On August 20, the Colfax community can pay tribute to two local every day heroes by rolling up a sleeve and donating blood at the Colfax High School summer blood drive. Penny Noer, volunteer blood drive coordinator is retiring after 40 years of dedicated service to the Red Cross and Dennis Geissler, former School District of Colfax superintendent who spent his entire career giving back to the community and the education of area youth, will be honored.
Colfax Community Summer Blood Drive: August 20 from noon to 6 p.m. at Colfax High School, 601 University Ave., Colfax, Wis.
“Over my years as a blood drive coordinator, I’ve been impressed by the people who consistently answer the call to donate blood,” said Noer. “Many give whenever they are eligible. It makes me feel good that we have so many dedicated donors.”
Erin Flug-Geissler, Dennis Geissler’s oldest daughter adds, “My father would be honored that community members and students remember him through the selfless act of donating blood. Our family is grateful that through his death he can continue to give back to the community he loved.”
The Red Cross recognizes everyday heroes who give of themselves and in some way help their communities. “Because Penny and Dennis were so passionate about giving back to the community, it’s very fitting that others will have the opportunity to pay tribute to these everyday heroes by donating blood,” said Geoff Kaufmann, CEO, North Central Blood Services Region.
Donations collected at the blood drive in honor of Noer and Geissler may be used for trauma victims – due to accidents and burns – heart surgery patients, organ transplant patients, premature babies, patients with complications during childbirth, and for patients receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or other diseases, such as sickle cell disease.
The Red Cross urgently needs donations to ensure an adequate blood supply is available for patients. Eligible donors with types O negative, B negative and A negative blood are especially encouraged to give. Type O negative is the universal blood type and can be transfused to anyone who needs blood. Types A negative and B negative can be transfused to Rh positive or negative patients.
How to donate blood
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.