By Iola Lions
The Iola Lions and American Red Cross will co-sponsor a Blood Drive at the Iola-Scandinavia Fitness & Aquatic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 22, from noon to 5 p.m.
According to the Red Cross, the beginning of the new year is a time to reflect on what you accomplished in 2024 and what you hope for the future. Patients often hope for better health and more time with loved ones, two things that you can help them achieve. Can we count on you to give in 2025?
If you want to save time after registering, but before you show up on that afternoon, complete and print a RapidPass online health history questionnaire on your computer or complete it on a smartphone before you come; the site is redcrossblood.org/rapidpass. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger have to meet certain height and weight requirements and need parental permission to donate.
Last year, more than 35 Red Cross Blood Drives in Wisconsin were canceled due to bad weather—Iola was one of them. Let’s get off to a good start this year!
Generally, we collect about 40 units of blood per drive in Iola—this can help up to 120 people. When the Red Cross schedules drives, they earmark where the blood collected that day will be sent to help persons in need.
Come to give blood in Iola on Jan. 22 and be entered for a chance to win an exciting Super Bowl LIX getaway! You and a guest could enjoy Super Bowl LIX, access to day-of in-stadium pre-game activities, tickets to the official Super Bowl Experience, round-trip airfare, three-night hotel accommodations (Feb. 7–10, 2025), plus a $1,000 gift card for expenses.
Please give patients a fighting chance. Schedule an appointment to give blood at the Iola Community Blood Drive by calling 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) or register online at www.redcrossblood.org.
If the good volunteer vibe you get from donating isn’t enough, please note that we’ll be serving chili and cornbread after your donation. You’ll have a good feeling from donating and a warm feeling in your stomach! As always, water and juice will be provided.