Mower County Seniors, Inc.

From 8 a.m. to noon, Thursday the Mower County Senior Center will be hosting a blood drive. We would love to see those who give blood in the county and also those who haven't but would like to come in to donate. If you aren't available on Thursday we are also hosting another blood drive from noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 28.

• With the holiday season upon us, family and friends come together to share seasonal traditions. As you gather together, the American Red Cross asks eligible individuals to remember to share the gift of life with those in need this holiday season by giving blood or platelets.

• The American Red Cross experiences as much as a 5 percent drop in blood donations during the holiday timeframe. A decrease in blood collections is especially evident from Dec. 23 through the New Year.

• Inclement weather and seasonal colds and influenza can affect people's ability to donate. It's important that healthy, eligible donors make an appointment to donate blood or platelets to ensure the blood supply is stable and prepared for the effects of winter's storms and illnesses.

• Our division's overall blood inventory is stable, but blood and platelet donors are needed daily to ensure it remains stable throughout the difficult winter months.

• During the month of November, and over the Thanksgiving weekend, the Mid-America Division provided over 60 type AB platelet products to a hospital served by the Division for a patient undergoing a bone marrow transplant. The patient used 5-6 units of aphaeresis products each day. The patient is still receiving treatment, but appears to be doing well.

• Donors need to be at least 17 years old, or 16 years old with a signed Red Cross parental/guardian consent form where state permits, must weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health. Eligible donors can call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or go online to givebloodgivelife.org for more information and to make a blood donation appointment.

Upcoming events

Monday

9 a.m. to 11 a.m., blood pressure check

12:30 p.m., cards

Tuesday

12:30 p.m., cards & duplicate bridge

Wednesday

9:30 a.m., tai chi classes (Newcomers welcome)

12:30 p.m., pinochle & cribbage tournament

1 p.m., duplicate bridge

1 p.m., stitching bees. Bring your handiwork

1 p.m., open chess (a second big day)Bring a friend and join us for a chess game.

Thursday

12:30 p.m.,pinochle

1 p.m., bingo(Cash prizes, bring a friend)

1 p.m., open chess. Bring a friend and join us for a chess game.

8 a.m. to noon. Red Cross Blood Drive

Friday

8 a.m., food shelf

10 a.m., craft painting

12:30 p.m., cards

12:30 p.m., bridge tournament

Sara Schafer is the executive director of the Mower County Senior Center.

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