If it’s January, it must be time for the annual St. Louis Jewish Community Blood Drive at Young Israel in University City. Thanks to the efforts of Dr. Bob and Judy Hellman, named Jewish Light Unsung Heroes in 2014, the blood drive has been held annually to help ensure the region’s blood supply makes a strong recovery from the holiday season and starts the New Year off strong.
Due to COVID, the blood drive was canceled in 2021 and 2022, but returned in 2023. This year, the blood drive, co-hosted by the Hellmans and Young Israel, is set to take place on Sunday, Jan. 12 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the shul, located at 8101 Delmar Blvd.
“Giving blood is a tremendous act of chesed (kindness),” said Dr. Daniela Hermelin, chief medical officer for ImpactLife, the provider of blood and blood components to SSM Health Hospitals in St. Louis and many other hospitals and communities across the region. “I am so proud to be part of a community that makes it a priority to help others. Blood donations help save lives every day, and we need donors to step forward every day to support not just routine blood needs, but for emergencies as well.”
ImpactLife will share its appreciation by providing all donors with a voucher to redeem for a $30 electronic gift card, bonus points to use in the ImpactLife Donor Rewards Store, or a $30 donation to St. Louis Area Food Bank. Donors may schedule appointments by calling 800-747-5401, online at www.bloodcenter.org, or via the ImpactLife mobile app.
All persons age 17 and up (or 16, with a signed parental permission form) who weigh at least 110 lbs. and are in general good health meet the basic eligibility requirements for blood donation.
