La Grande’s blood draw coordinators reflect on 2024. New blood drive dates set

By Garrett Christensen on Monday, December 16th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News

LA GRANDE – The end of the year is coming up fast. In 2024, the La Grande community donated an admirable 1295 units of blood during multiple community blood draws. Looking back at this year’s success, Linda and Sheldon Strand, La Grande’s community blood draw coordinators, issued their 2024 annual report and reflection, which can be read below:

(From Linda and Sheldon Strand)

Another year gone, I wonder where, and time for the annual report.

In 2024 we collected a total of 1295 units. A very successful year. Our volunteer network expanded in 2024. The Just Serve committee headed by Vernon Hawks came on board to contact members of the community and the Lions club joined the effort by providing volunteers for our Tuesday draws.

We often minimize the part we play as individuals in this nation-wide effort. Please know you are appreciated for your efforts on behalf of the unknown person who needs the blood you help provide.

Some of you are working in areas of registration and escorts where people see your efforts. Some work in the background to do the advertising or radio reporting. Still others who do the set-up and cleanup tasks are even further in the background and are almost unknown. I am reminded of an old, old western TV and radio program, “The Lone Ranger.” In each episode someone would ask…”Who was that masked man?” Nobody knew but he and Tonto came to town to save the day. And so it is with each of you.

All the best to you and yours this Christmas season.

Linda and Sheldon Strand, coordinators.

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In addition, dates have been set for the 2025 community blood draws, along with the 2025 donation goal. As provided by the Strands:

2025 blood draw dates:

Jan 14-15
Mar 18-19
Jun 17-18
Sep 16-19
Nov 11-12

2025 goal: 1400 units.

For those in Baker City who would like to donate next year as well, The American Red Cross also reports blood draws are scheduled for the following days in 2025 as of the time of writing:

Jan 6-7
March 24-25
June 9-10

Find draw schedules or register online at https://www.redcrossblood.org/