Since June 2004, Immanuel Lutheran has been host to the Russell Dunbar Memorial Blood drive every eight to nine weeks on Sunday mornings. Central California Blood Center personnel have faithfully been here throughout the year despite rain, fog, cold, and heat to help us in our mission to give life to those in need due to accidents, illnesses or surgeries.   

During the past two and a half years, 441 pints of blood have been collected from many dedicated people.  These pints of blood have given the gift of life to many people in the surrounding area during a devastating time of their life.  I would like to express thanks to all of you who have donated your time and your blood so faithfully. 

On another note, we collected 127 pints during 2006.  Prior to this we collected 166 pints during 2005 and 148 in 2004 (not a full year of donation).  Our donations are down.  The Blood Bank is very grateful for the pints that we do donate but we do need to ask at this time if this is a service/mission we want to continue.  As the number of pints collected goes down, the question will be asked more frequently. 

I encourage those that donate to continue helping fill this need.  To those who cannot due to health reasons, please pray for those who donate now or could donate. To those who can donate but aren’t.  Please consider giving the gift of life to someone and join us on donation Sundays. 

As parish nurse of Immanuel, I continue to be present to help those in need as a support person.  Helping those in need on Sunday mornings and during a health crisis remains a service that I am honored to help with.

I hold you in my heart,                

Barbara