“The blood drive that almost wasn’t”
By Sandi Moore, Iola Lionism
Misplaced signs, broken air conditioning, and relocation—all before the Iola Lions/American Red Cross Blood Drive on June 7 even started. But all turned out well thanks to many flexible, patient individuals—donors, Lions volunteers, and Red Cross staff.
The day started with trying to find the missing signs that announce the drive to locals and passersby. No luck. The Iola-Scandinavia Fitness & Aquatic Center was getting warmer by the minute, but a hopeful Red Cross staff and Lions volunteers set things up. Just before the noon start time, the temperature hit 83 degrees inside and it appeared the drive needed to be cancelled for health reasons. Red Cross staff and Lions volunteers called the Village Hall — nope, CPR classes going on. The Scandinavia Church – nope, a funeral was occurring. Alas, Iola-Scandinavia Superintendent Ray Przekurat and Principal/Incoming Superintendent Chris Nelson came to the rescue! The High School Band Room was vacant and better yet, air-conditioned! And we were welcome to use it.
Przekurat, Nelson, Red Cross Staff and Blood Drive volunteers relocated gurneys, supplies, medical equipment, tables, and more to the Band Room. Donors even helped by making signs re-directing “traffic” and posting them around the site. While the initial donors had to wait as much as 90 minutes due to the change in plans, Drive Coordinator, Lion Sandi Moore, said “Everyone was patient and friendly. They understood that we were all doing the best that we could. It was a great group of people. That didn’t surprise me, our donors are a generous and kind group.”
Donors that day arrived by foot, bicycle, UTV, motorcycle, car and truck from Iola, Scandinavia, Amherst and even one each from Appleton and Antigo. Unfortunately, four donors were unable to give blood for medical reasons, but we received a total of 34 units—enough to help 34 to 102 persons recovering from trauma, cancer, or other medical issues.
The June 7 Iola Lions Blood Drive will certainly go down as unique! By the way, a special thanks to Red Cross, Iola Lions, Iola-Scandinavia School District and the donors.