Community asked to donate blood at Sunshine Foods in Lennox April 3

Community Blood Bank is urgently calling on residents of Lennox and the surrounding area to donate blood following a critical drop in supply levels. The shortage, driven by a series of traumatic medical emergencies in the past week, has strained blood levels, and created an immediate need for donations of all blood types.

A community blood drive will be held on Friday, April 3 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Sunshine Foods (515 N. Pine St, Lennox, SD). Residents are encouraged to attend and donate. Every pint of blood donated can save up to three lives, and right now, those lives depend on the generosity of this community. As a special thank you gift, all who donate will receive a $15 Sunshine Foods gift card. 

“We are facing an unexpected blood shortage that we hope the community will help address. The need to keep blood supplies strong allows medical professionals to serve patients who are being treated for serious medical conditions,” said Ken Versteeg, Executive Director of Community Blood Bank. “We are asking the Lennox community, our neighbors, our friends, to come out on April 3 and help us restore our supply to safe and stable levels. One donation takes 30 minutes and can make all the difference.”

All blood types are needed, with an especially urgent need for O-negative and O-positive donors. Eligible donors must be at least 17 years of age, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, and be in good general health. 

Donors are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids and eat a nutritious meal before giving blood.