Give the Gift of Life: Join Us for the Dutilh Church Blood Drive

Donating blood is one of the simplest yet most impactful ways to serve others. On Tuesday, March 18th, Dutilh Church is partnering with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive, and we invite you to be part of this life-saving effort!

Lori Sedlak, organizer of Dutilh’s blood drive and chair of Dutilh's Leadership Board, has a deep personal connection to this cause and the American Red Cross. After a traumatic event, her father received a lifesaving blood transfusion, giving him another decade with his family. Though Lori was a longtime blood donor, health issues now prevent her from donating. Still, she remains passionate about supporting the Red Cross and raising awareness about the importance of blood donations. Inspired by her daughter’s school blood drive, Lori saw Dutilh Church as the perfect place for the community to come together and give back in a meaningful way.

The need for blood donations is constant. According to the American Red Cross, every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood and or platelets. Every donation has the potential to save lives, whether it’s helping accident victims, surgery patients, or those battling illnesses. Blood donations don’t just offer hope; they offer another chance at life.

Hosting this drive aligns perfectly with Dutilh’s mission of serving others. “Opening Dutilh’s doors for such a good cause is a wonderful way to help the community while also inviting new people into our church home,” Lori said. “The Red Cross is a wonderful organization to partner with. They are open and willing to come beside us in any way we need, and that partnership may eventually lead us in new directions for discipleship and mission.”

By opening our doors to donors, we are providing a critical resource to the community while also welcoming new faces to Dutilh Church. The American Red Cross estimates that every pint of donated blood can save up to three lives—our goal of 42 pints could help over 120 people!

If you’re planning to donate, prepare by staying well-hydrated, eating iron-rich foods, and getting a good night’s sleep before your appointment. The process is quick and nearly painless, and after donating, you’ll get to relax and enjoy some refreshments. If you’re not eligible to donate, you can still support the cause by volunteering during the drive. If you’d like to volunteer, you can find those opportunities HERE.

We hope this blood drive is the first of many at Dutilh Church. Whether you donate, volunteer, or help spread the word, your support can make a tremendous difference. Sign up today and be a part of something truly life-changing.

Register to donate at: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/donation-time?zipSponsor=DutilhChurch