River Falls: Outpouring of blood givers

• Craig Foster signing up to donate blood

American Legion blood drive organizer talks with Main Street shop owner Craig Foster, who was signing up to give blood.)

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A two-day local blood drive sponsored by the American Legion Post #121 got off to a huge start Thursday, July 26. Organizer Jerry Matteson called the first-day response “simply overwhelming.”

The local blood drive in River Falls goes on until 7 p.m. Thursday and picks up again Friday, July 27, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The blood drive is held inside at Legion Hall, 701 N. Main St. Parking is in the lot in back and curbside.

Matteson said Thursday afternoon that Legion Hall was packed with blood donors – not only those who made appointments and also showed up, but also by a number of walk-in donors.

River Falls Area Hospital will also sponsor a blood drive Monday, July 30, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. A bus will be stationed in the parking lot for donors.

Nationally, blood donations plummeted in June, causing a shortage. That set the stage for the importance of making up for the shortage in July.

Tags: river falls, lifestyle, health