This is an open letter of appreciation to the Fort Hays State University blood donors who have made yet another successful blood drive possible. The Alpha Kappa Psi sponsor and run an amazing two-day bloodmobile every fall and spring on the FHSU campus.

Every spring, they compete with the Emporia State University bloodmobile, and this year they are yet again winners. The goal this spring was 199 units collectively for both days. The units collected exceeded goal for a total of 243 units of blood donated.

Many factors go into a success story such as this one. First, the AKP students set up appointment tables throughout campus and personally ask you to donate. They also call all the donors to remind them. Second, this was the first time we used edonor. It allowed FHSU donors to sign up online at redcrossblood.org. This was a rousing success for the drive.

But many other entities on camps also are involved. Professors allow me to speak in their classes about the importance of donation. The Student Affairs Office allowed AKP to send out e-mail blasts to the students and to mail post cards to all on-campus addresses. The Memorial Union staff is helpful and ready to lend a hand, and Chartwell's allows the Red Cross to unload their truck at the loading dock and invade their kitchen to get the supplies to the ballroom.

Everyone contributes, and it implies that just as it takes a village to raise a child, it also takes a village to complete a life-saving project. This week, a wife of a retired FHSU professor needed 25 units of blood to save her life. The blood was there because someone like you stepped up and donated. Next week, when someone else needs blood, FHSU donors proudly can say they stepped up to donate.

For more information about blood donation and the need for blood, call (800) 448-3543 or visit redcross blood.org.

Thank you,

Dawn J. Gabel,

Donor Recruitment

Representative

Northwest Kansas, Central Plains Region

American Red Cross

Blood Services