Saving Lives - and Fueling Summer Adventures
Many in the Quad Cities know Scott Hildebrand as the owner of Henry's Christmas Yard, where for years, the community gathered each holiday season and blood donors rolled up their sleeves at the blood drives he hosted. But long before, and long after, the lights came down, Scott has remained committed to giving back as a dedicated platelet donor for more than 20 years.
In our new featured video, Scott shares why platelet donation has become such an important part of his life and how the rewards from donating help fund his annual summer road trips across North America! By using his donor gift cards to stock up on groceries along the way, Scott proves that saving lives can also help fuel summer fun. Watch Scott's story and see how one simple act of generosity can make a lasting impact for patients and donors alike.
We All Bleed the Same
Out team was out in force during Pride Month, connecting with communities and sharing our lifesaving mission at events in both the Quad Cities and Cedar Rapids last week. In the Quad Cities, we were proud to sponsor The Project of the Quad Cities' Pride 5K: Walk, Run & Roll, where employees from multiple departments laced up their running shoes to participate. Our own Jack Dillman crossed the finish line first and won the 5k! Later that day, our team continued the conversation at The Project's Pride Party, where we met with community members and shared information about blood donation.
In Cedar Rapids, our team participated in Pride Fest by offering free blood typing and answering questions about the blood donation process. Across these events, staff had the opportunity to talk about the 2023 FDA eligibility changes that made blood donation more inclusive, explain how donated blood saves lives every day, and welcome more people into our donor community. It was a wonderful month of outreach that reinforced an important message: we all bleed the same.
WCIA 3's Gift of Life Blood Drive
Twice a year we team with WCIA 3, the CBS network affiliate in Champaign, Illinois, for the Gift of Life blood drive. It's a chance to honor former anchor Dave Benton and meteorologist/anchor Robert Reese.
Blood donors climbed aboard our bus in the station lot to give lifesaving blood. The lifesaving continues at our Urbana, Danville, Decatur, Mattoon, and Springfield centers during the 4th of July holiday weekend.
Rocking On with KSHE Summer Blood Drive 2026 Kickoff
We kicked off the 2026 KSHE Summer Blood Drive Thursday, July 2, at Ted’s Motorcycle World in Alton. KSHE listeners have come out in droves for our partner blood drives for decades. The annual July effort provides a necessary mid-summer boost for the blood supply!
The 2026 KSHE Summer Blood Drive continues all month – on four more dates at 21 different locations throughout the month of July.
In addition to the KSHE Summer Blood Drive T-shirt, donors who recruited a first-time ImpactLife blood donor scored a rockin' bandana for both of them.
Our thanks to the KSHE Real Rock Army!
What a Joy to work with!
When Joy Pilcher began her 37-year career in blood banking, she was one of the few people in the building who regularly used a computer. She began in the Technical Services department and experienced the early days of what the blood industry now knows as BECS (Blood Establishment Computer Software).
In four decades with Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center and ImpactLife, following our 2021 name change, she adapted to significant organizational growth, countless forms of new technology, and always found new ways to support our mission.
Joy moved into roles in Quality Assurance, Processing, and worked in IMD since 2001. She retired as an Inventory and Logistics Coordinator on July 1. Plans for retirement include spending more time with family, and especially enjoying time with friends, children, and grandchildren at local campgrounds. Thank you, Joy, for 37 years of dedicated service!
RED, WHITE & YOU: Veterans Assistance Commission of Sangamon County
We were proud to partner with the Veterans Assistance Commission of Sangamon County as they hosted their first blood drive with us on June 26th!
Attendees included active-duty members, veterans, and family members who came out to express their support for our lifesaving mission.
As we celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the founding of our nation this weekend, we're especially thankful for all the veterans who served our country. It truly is the Red, White, & You!