Give blood, get pie

While pie in the sky ideas are, by definition, impossible to attain it will be much easier for Saratoga residents to get pie in July. As long as they give one of the most precious gifts a person can give.

The Knights of Columbus recently announced their July blood drive which is scheduled to take place next Tuesday at St. Ann’s Parish Hall. The blood drive, in cooperation with Vitalant (formerly United Blood Services), will include a slice of fresh, home baked pie for all donors.

This year, according to the press release, there will be an added service to all donors as Vitalant will test all completed blood donations for antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. For more information on the antibody testing, visit www.vitalant.org/antibodytest.aspx. 

Vitalant will be following all guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control. Both donors and staff will be required to wear masks or face coverings. Additionally, donors must be well and healthy to donate and have an appointment.

According to the press release from Knights of Columbus, the demand for blood is constant and only volunteer donors can fulfill that need for patients. Additionally, one donation can help up to four patients.

“Giving blood is one of the most important, rewarding and compassionate things a person can do. The blood donation is simple. There is little, if any, pain and it provides the ‘gift of life’ that only human beings can give to one another,” read the press release.

Donors are reminded to eat well 30-45 minutes before their donation and to drink plenty of water during the day to keep hydrated. It is also recommended to limit caffeine intake, to bring a list of medications and places and times one has traveled outside the United States, and photo identification.

The Health History Questionnaire can be completed on the day of the blood drive by going to http://www.vitalant.org. The ticket can then be printed or made available on a mobile device to be brought to the blood drive where staff will scan the barcode. Filling out the questionnaire will help speed up the process for donors.

Anyone interested in donating may call Jim Larscheid at 307-399-2124 or schedule an appointment online at http://www.vitalant.org, sponsor code “toga”.

The blood drive will be from noon to 6 p.m. on July 21 at St. Ann’s Parish Hall in Saratoga.