Sioux Falls, SD — KELO Radio is teaming up with Camille’s Sidewalk Café, and Community Blood Bank to host the annual “Lifeline” blood drive on Friday, July 31, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Camille’s Sidewalk Café (Grange Ave. & 41st St.). Every donor will walk away with a $15 Camille’s Sidewalk Café gift card and a $15 Hy-Vee gas certificate.
This drive arrives at a pivotal moment, as the community works to sustain its blood supply through the remainder of summer. To book a time slot, donors can visit www.cbblifeblood.org, select “Donate Now,” then “Blood Drive Calendar,” and choose the July 31 Lifeline blood drive or call 605-331-3222.
“Keeping a healthy blood supply for our community during the summer is no small challenge. Between travel schedules and summer activities, people simply have less time to give,” said Ken Versteeg, Executive Director of Community Blood Bank. “The upside is that a donation takes just 30 minutes and can save as many as three lives right here at home. Right now, we’re barely keeping pace with demand, and we expect the coming weeks to be tough. We’re seeing more trauma cases, a growing population that needs more blood, and the usual summer dip in donations. Every gift at this drive helps make sure blood is on hand for surgical, cancer, and trauma patients who need it.”
Donor requirements: Must be at least 17 (or 16 with a signed parental consent form, available at www.cbblifeblood.org), weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good general health. Those with cold or flu symptoms cannot donate. A valid photo ID is required at check-in, and donors are encouraged to eat well and stay hydrated beforehand.
Community Blood Bank operates independently of other blood bank networks, remaining self-sufficient thanks entirely to the generosity of local donors. We are a joint cooperative of Sanford USD Medical Center and Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center providing blood to the Sioux Falls area for over 50 years.
