Blood Donations for 2013: A Huge Success!

The blood donors of Tehachapi can be so proud of their efforts in 2013! They have donated more units this year than ever before! The record-breaking success of this year is a result of the community-minded residents of the greater Tehachapi area, and the amazing blood drive partners that host and support our local blood drives and accounted for 1,261 units this year!

With each unit touching the lives of up to three patients, the Tehachapi blood donors have helped nearly 4,000 people.  Over the last few years, we have built a really great team, with community drives every eight weeks in Tehachapi, Bear Valley and Stallion Springs. When you add to this the community events we attend and coordinate with Mainstreet, we are conducting several blood drives a month in the area.

Other local blood drive partners include Albertsons, World Wind and Solar, Tehachapi Lifestyle Magazine, Tehachapi Hospital, Benz Inc., Walgreens and CCI.  Our Tehachapi Community blood drives held every eight weeks at The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, would not be possible without the support of the Tehachapi Lion's Club. For years they have promoted and facilitated what continues to be our largest drive in the area.  I think that may have something to do with the fantastic coffee and cookies they provide for donors (I am always sure to volunteer as quality control by sampling their goodies! Tough job, but I'm up for it).

As a relatively new member to the community, I continue to be impressed with how civic-minded and generous the people who live and work in the greater Tehachapi area prove themselves to be! We have three blood drives this month in the greater Tehachapi area, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on Jan. 7 from Noon to 6 p.m., Stallion Springs on Jan. 11 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Bear Valley on January 28 from Noon to 6 p.m. Call 661-565-5553 for more information!

All donors will receive free T-shirts and be entered to win a trip to San Diego! While all blood types are welcomed and encouraged, we are in serious need of 0+, 0- and A-. Please join us in giving the gift of life in 2014!