Trinity Lutheran Church in Crookston will be hosting a blood drive conducted by Vitalant on Wednesday, December 22, from 11:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in memory of Cheryl Steinbrink.
Cheryl’s daughter Jenn Walz who works at the Crookston Eye Clinic, shared some background information on the blood drive and why one is held each year in honor of her mother. “This is the 9th Annual Blood Drive we’ve now had in memory of my Mom Cheryl after she passed away in 2012,” said Walz. “Without the blood donations we received while she was in the hospital, we wouldn’t have had as much time with her. So, it’s really something that has become near and dear to my family and me.”
The goal of the Blood Drive is to try and help as many people in need as possible. The Blood Drive has been held at Trinity Lutheran Church in the past years because of Cheryl’s involvement with Trinity Lutheran and how important the church was in her life. Cheryl served on a few boards with Trinity Lutheran church before her passing.
The Blood Drive is usually held in December, and Walz explained why. “We usually try to do it in December because while they always need blood, it seems like, around the holidays, there is more of a need,” said Walz. “It’s just been a great time for us to do it because the urgency and need for blood is higher.”
Walz says those on the fence about donating or even scared should reconsider donating to the great cause. “It’s a great cause. I was always scared to do it, so I never started donating until we started this blood dive because I was afraid of needles,” said Walz. “The workers for the blood drive are amazing, and you don’t have to watch the needle go in if you don’t want to. It’s not that painful, and it’s something small that can end up making a big difference.”
Pre-registration is required to donate blood. When we spoke with Walz, spaces were still open and available for signing up. If you’re interested in signing up to donate, you can contact Walz at 218-368-6920 or go online at Donors.Vitalant.org and enter the Blood Drive code: Crookston. Facemasks will be required while you give blood.
If you have eligibility questions, you can call 1-800-289-4923.
