by Heather Shelton, Times-Standard Newspaper, portions of the article were copied with permission
“The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks brings much more to our communities than just a building. We provide a place where neighbors come together, families share meals and children grow up,” said Past Exalted Ruler Dennis Hunter.
“We invest in our communities through programs that help children grow up healthy and drug-free, meet the needs of today’s veterans and improve the quality of life,” Hunter said. “One of the ways we can save lives is to become directly involved with the blood bank. Since the onset of the COVID-19 virus, there has been a tremendous shortage of blood and the need for local blood donations.”
New donors are always needed, (Kate) Witthaus noted, especially now during the COVID-19 health crisis. “Locally, 38% of blood donations normally come from people 65 and older, but many seniors are now quarantining. Twenty-five percent of donations normally come from high school and college campus blood drives, but most of these schools are closed or partially closed,” she said. “We need new healthy, eligible donors to step in and fill these gaps, and we need new businesses and organizations to help us hold community blood drives to replace the ones that have been canceled.” Dozens of Elks and community members donated (at our Elks Blood Drive).