APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) – The Community Blood Center hosted its 36th annual STAT (Summer Tour for All Types) Blood Drive on Tuesday at the Fox Cities Exhibition Center in Appleton. The event aimed to boost blood donations ahead of the summer months, when demand at hospitals remains high.
“We are trying to build a blood supply as we go into summer. The need for blood is constant—every two seconds in the U.S., someone needs a blood transfusion. And one out of every seven hospital patients will need a transfusion during their stay,” said John Hagins, CEO and president of The Community Blood Center.
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But the drive offered more than just an opportunity to donate blood. For each unit collected, the organization also made a financial contribution to American Legion Post 55, continuing the military and patriotic spirit associated with the event’s history as the former MASH Blood Drive.
“We partnered with the American Legion Post. So, for every blood donation made today, we are making a financial donation to the American Legion Post,” Hagins explained. “That you can come out, donate blood, and help our veterans’ groups.”
Chris Koga, a member of American Legion Post 55, said the funds will support both scholarships and the organization’s long-term goal of building a dedicated facility.
“We are doing everything we can to raise the money to get our own building built. It will be the American Legion Family Community Center,” Koga said.
For regular donor Bob Wyngaard, who gives blood weekly, the event was a way to give back to the place he calls home.
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“I’ve lived here my whole life, kind of means everything, so yeah giving back to the community kind of means everything,” Wyngaard said.
The STAT Blood Drive continues to serve a dual purpose—saving lives through blood donations and supporting local veterans—proving its impact reaches far beyond a single day.
