It was a cold sunny morning on Saturday, November 10th, and as 7:30 a.m. struck on St. Roch’s Church clock, a big white truck with a huge red cross painted on it rolled into St. Roch’s School yard.
The truck opened its doors at 7:45 a.m. to unload and until 3:00 p.m., when the truck doors closed again up- on reloading, 59 people came to the church basement and donated a unit of their blood to help the community we live in.
Thirty-five of these people had never given before, which set a record for new donors giving in a group such as ours.
The majority of donors come from St. Roch’s Church, plus people in the community who had read about “The Bloodmobile” in “The Paper” and either calling for a pledge card or just dropping in that day.
Two young men in the Rosedale-Skinker area had been cleaning alleys and after a strenous day had time also to give blood.
It’s still not too late to donate for the benefit of our community.
Those who couldn’t make it November 10th, just report to the Red Cross Blood Bank at 4901 Washington – hours 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. – and don’t forget to give St. Roch’s as the group name.
NOW! .. THE REWARD!
When you or any member of your family needs blood, here’s all you have to do:
(Call Rose Storey, 727-1727)
* Contact the Red Cross representative in your group or chapter .. or the Red Cross Blood Center, if you have given individually.
* Give full name of patient and home address.
* Name of group or chapter covering your need; or, your name if you have given individually.
* Full name and location of hospital where recipient is a patient.
* If not currently hospitalized, the date of discharge. RED CROSS WILL DO THE REST.
Many thanks to all who participated whether you helped set up the program, were a blood donor, a prospective donor who for same reason was rejected, the volunteers who spent the day doing paper work, administering cookies and juice, the men and boys who loaded and unloaded the truck and the registered nurses who so willingly gave their time and smiles.
Also, an acknowledgement of appreciation to Dr. Wilma Claseman who volunteered her entire day so we were fortunate enough to have a doctor on duty at all times.
Originally published in The Paper, December 1973.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1973_12.pdf, printed page(s) 1.
