We will always Love Like Louden

Last Saturday, 40 donors braved the cold to give blood at the Love Like Louden Birthday Blood Drive at our Muscatine center.

Louden Lofgren was just two years old when he passed away in 2021 due to complications from surgery. His family experienced firsthand how important blood donation can be, and they chose to turn their pain into purpose.

For the past five years, the Lofgrens have helped collect more than 700 donations through Love Live Louden drives, and through blood donors crediting their donations to Love Like Louden all year long. That is 700 opportunities to help other families during some of their hardest moments.

Love Like Louden is proof that one family’s story can continue to make a difference.

‹›

High school donors are Leaders for Life

Warrenton High School turned its latest blood drive impact into support for people who need it most.

After partnering with us for a blood drive, these student donors earned a LifeSavings Grant and chose to donate those funds to Turning Point Advocacy Services. The organization provides critical support for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, including a 24/7 hotline, emergency shelter, advocacy, safety planning, and counseling.

Our LifeSavings program is a way that our education partners can earn $270+ grants to use on classroom expenses, student scholarships, or a project they love. Learn more about it at www.bloodcenter.org/lifesavings.

Larry Butler's Legacy of Giving

Larry Butler showed his love for others by showing up again and again.

Last Friday, his family and friends gathered for the Larry Butler Memorial Blood Drive to honor a man whose life was defined by giving. Larry donated blood more than 151 times before passing away from cancer in November 2024, making blood donation a steady part of his life every 56 days.

To those who loved him, that commitment was no surprise. Larry did not just talk about caring for people - he acted on it. His family remembers him as a constant presence, a fixer, a mentor, and a steady source of kindness.

The memorial blood drive became a way for his family to turn grief into something meaningful. Continuing Larry’s habit of giving blood has helped them heal while honoring what mattered most to him.

Learn more about Legacy of Giving blood drives here. 

‹›

Staying Chatham Strong

In Chatham, showing up for one another is just part of who they are.

As National Blood Donor Month comes to a close, we want to shout out the Chatham Police Department for leading by example. Chief Vernon Foli rolled up his sleeve to donate blood during an active shift, even coming in on his day off. He was joined by officers and supported by Village President Dave Kimsey. And after seeing the police department share their drive on social media, community members walked in to donate as well. 

Chatham continues to show what it means to care for one another and we’re grateful to be part of a community with such a strong heart for service.

Learn more about our Heroes for Life partners here. 

‹›