EMPORIUM — Olkosky-Jessop American Legion Post 194 in Emporium hosted another American Red Cross Blood Mobile in October at the Vets Club.
Although it was a slow start because of a computer glitch, the weather was pleasant and there were 39 productive donations.
Milestones were reached by three donors with Frank Armanini reaching 14 gallons, meaning he has donated 112 pints over the years. Stephanie Petty and Sheri Foltz both reached one gallon, or eight pints each total so far.
Double donors for the day were Brock Belkowski and Frank Armanini. There were also three donors who had not donated in many years: Rhonda Mason, Ken Gerg and Susan Lyon.
Team members from Buffalo, N.Y., were Glenn Kraebel, Darryl Sadkowski, Christie Buzzell, Shaquille Ferguson and Jenelle Gurbacki. Volunteers from Emporium were Paul Richards, Commander Mick Fapore and Mary Greif.
Brenda Williams returned after not being able to donate for over a year, and organizers were glad she is back up to speed. The youngest donor was Derek Duman, who is 16 years old. With parents’ permission, he is able to donate, and this was his second time donating.
Anyone who is 16 or 17 years old needs parental permission.
Donating blood is said to be “a gift of life.” Whether someone has rare blood, universal blood or anything in between, their donations are needed.
The next blood drive in Emporium will be from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 10. To make an appointment to donate, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org. Organizers ask that participants make an appointment because of the need to still social distance. Walks-in can only be taken on a limited basis. If someone stops in the morning, organizers might be able to make an afternoon appointment for the person.
