Ladue Blood Drive
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Coincidence? This year's Ladue Blood drive was on National Wear Red day for Women's heart health.
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Across the country, on February 6th, 2015, supporters of the American Heart Association broke out their red clothes for the 12th annual National Wear Red Day. However, the students and faculty inside Ladue High School wore red arm bands and "I donated" stickers for a different, yet just as relevant, cause: the annual Ladue Red Cross Blood Drive.
Anyone above 16 years of age was able to take a half hour of their day to donate blood to the American Red Cross. Fifty participants donated blood. Upon arriving, the donor had to sign in and begin a medical background check. Senior Hannah Snidman had donated many times before and knew very well the importance of understanding the eligibility guidelines. Everything from past and present medications to countries visited can influence how someone can give blood. Snidman feels it’s her duty to give back.
"I feel it is important for me to donate because my parents can not. They lived in London when Mad Cow disease was present. And my sister is too young.” For Snidman, she was able to donate with ease and confidence knowing that she was "representing her family" and saving multiple lives.
Among the experienced donors, there were many novice students and teachers eager and anxious to give blood. With such a large percentage of newcomers, Ladue sponsor Laura Kaufman, and Red Cross account manager Trina Manhardt worked to create a comfortable and safe atmosphere for the participants.
"We like to stay here from start to finish to make sure the kids are getting out in a reasonable amount of time, that they are good and sitting for a while and that they are not having a reaction to any of it," Manhardt explained.
Kaufman has been in charge of the Ladue Blood Drive for nearly a decade and oversees all donations and volunteers.
"I love helping to provide this service," She said. Over the years, she has been inspired by the generosity and passion students and teachers have for the Red Cross.
Anyone above 16 years of age was able to take a half hour of their day to donate blood to the American Red Cross. Fifty participants donated blood. Upon arriving, the donor had to sign in and begin a medical background check. Senior Hannah Snidman had donated many times before and knew very well the importance of understanding the eligibility guidelines. Everything from past and present medications to countries visited can influence how someone can give blood. Snidman feels it’s her duty to give back.
"I feel it is important for me to donate because my parents can not. They lived in London when Mad Cow disease was present. And my sister is too young.” For Snidman, she was able to donate with ease and confidence knowing that she was "representing her family" and saving multiple lives.
Among the experienced donors, there were many novice students and teachers eager and anxious to give blood. With such a large percentage of newcomers, Ladue sponsor Laura Kaufman, and Red Cross account manager Trina Manhardt worked to create a comfortable and safe atmosphere for the participants.
"We like to stay here from start to finish to make sure the kids are getting out in a reasonable amount of time, that they are good and sitting for a while and that they are not having a reaction to any of it," Manhardt explained.
Kaufman has been in charge of the Ladue Blood Drive for nearly a decade and oversees all donations and volunteers.
"I love helping to provide this service," She said. Over the years, she has been inspired by the generosity and passion students and teachers have for the Red Cross.
To put that in perspective, Kaufman explained, "Blood donated in St. Louis doesn't just help people in St. Louis. It helps people all across Missouri and the country. And it's so important to donate or be a part of this because when we need it, we would want that blood there for us as well. Any time you can or anywhere you can, you should be a part of any blood drive."
For more information on blood donation and how you can get u can get involved, visit the red cross website: http://www.redcross.org/blood
For more information on blood donation and how you can get u can get involved, visit the red cross website: http://www.redcross.org/blood
Jogging for Jesus: 10th year anniversary
Its not every day that the congregation at Salem United Methodist gets to view dozens of youth running through their sanctuary then outside. On May 5th, thirty elementary school students did just that. These students got their daily cardio in by running in an annual fundraiser, Jogging for Jesus. The event was welcomed with a sunny day and generous donations for the 10th anniversary of Jogging for Jesus.
Jogging for Jesus began in may of 2004 as a way for both children and adults in the congregation to be involved in mission work.
“I think St. Louis is one of the riches cities in this country for giving.” Patty Waterhouse, Director of Children’s Missions, shares.
And it’s a part of that giving that the church wants to instill in their youth. The program is widely anticipated by the children and their family members as a way to incorporate fun along with helping others.
Before taking to the lawn, the energetic group of kids ran through the church to raise awareness that the fundraiser has begun.
“The people in our congregation are well aware that when the children run through the service that we want them to be generous to our charity that year. And this year, we have 128 children that would love to attend a vacation bible school in the inner city.” Waterhouse explains.
Jogging for Jesus began in may of 2004 as a way for both children and adults in the congregation to be involved in mission work.
“I think St. Louis is one of the riches cities in this country for giving.” Patty Waterhouse, Director of Children’s Missions, shares.
And it’s a part of that giving that the church wants to instill in their youth. The program is widely anticipated by the children and their family members as a way to incorporate fun along with helping others.
Before taking to the lawn, the energetic group of kids ran through the church to raise awareness that the fundraiser has begun.
“The people in our congregation are well aware that when the children run through the service that we want them to be generous to our charity that year. And this year, we have 128 children that would love to attend a vacation bible school in the inner city.” Waterhouse explains.
First grader Marcus Hope marks another lap around the field. The total amount of laps were counted later that day totaling over 760 laps. They raised an astonishing $932.
Photo by (Lillian Donahue) |
As the children ran, their parents were able to donate a set amount of money, one or two dollars, per lap that their child ran. This sponsoring not only includes the children, but allows the parents to reward their children and be a part of the experience.
The entirety of the proceeds went to the inner city food pantry and family center, Kingdom House. Raising over 930 dollars, the children helped fund the Vacation Bible School at the facility that will take place later this summer. 5th grader Kennadie Stallons is an enthusiastic runner who attended and participated in the event. She ran over twenty laps for charity. “It was a good feeling when you’re done. It makes you feel like you’ve accomplished something for the day and done something to help someone else.” |
For more information about Salem in Ladue or kingdom House, visit their websites:
Salem United Methodist: http://www.salemstlouis.com
Kingdom House: http://www.kingdomhouse.org
Salem United Methodist: http://www.salemstlouis.com
Kingdom House: http://www.kingdomhouse.org