Bonney Lake bank and Lions Club recognized for blood drive

Bob Grant, Phlebotomist, finishes drawing blood from
Bonney Lake resident Annette LaPlante
 inside the Bloodmobile.

Bonney Lake - Cascade Regional Blood Services recognized the Bonney Lake branch of Columbia Bank and Lions Club for their continued support of the organization.

“We thank the staff at bank for hosting us and for marketing support, location, facility use,” Cari Dixon, assistant director of donor resources, said.  

The Bonney Lanke community blood drive at Columbia Bank held every Friday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and is one of four CRBS weekly blood drives.

“The community rallies around this program every Friday,” Dixon said.

Since the start of the blood drive in early 2007, over 4400 people have donated blood. Last year alone, 772 people donated at the bank.

While Columbia Bank supplies a location for the Bloodmobile, a vehicle that allows the organization to collect blood anywhere, the Lions Club helps by spreading the word and recruiting donors.

Rita Wells, community relations specialist at CRBS, said, “When a group supports our efforts and spreads the word, it can make for a successful partnership.”

Bonney Lake resident Annette LaPlant donates blood whenever she can, which happens to be every eight to ten weeks.

“If I can help save a life, then I would love to do that,” LaPlant said. “It’s not difficult; it’s very easy.”

The process is very short and only takes a few minutes. First the donor registers to donate and fills out a confidential history. Then they have their vitals checked. After that, the donors blood is drawn, which takes up to 10 minutes. Finally, donors are given refreshments like juice, chocolate milk or cookies.

CRBS has provided blood to hospitals in South King and Pierce County for over 65 years and is the exclusive supplier to MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital.

Christine Swinehart, CRBS president and CEO, said, “We rely upon community sponsors, like Columbia Bank and the Bonney Lake Lions Club, and volunteer blood donors to keep a constant and safe supply of blood and blood products for the hospitals we serve.”

Jim Read, Columbia Bank branch manager, said “We love helping the blood drive and giving them the support they need. It’s been a great marriage.”