Published on Friday, November 21, 2025 in Blog

November 21, 2025

FEEL-GOOD NEWS

ABO Initiative In Action

As fall semester draws to a end, campuses across our region have been showing up and rolling up their sleeves to save lives. 

At the University of Wisconsin Madison, Badgers continue to battle it out for first place for the We Give Blood Drive, with just a few weeks left until December 5. Their lead over Nebraska is slim, with both schools pushing hard for the top spot. 

In Illinois, Augustana added to the statewide momentum with another successful drive that brought students and staff together for a shared cause. Coe College in Cedar Rapids and St. Ambrose University in Davenport followed with strong events of their own, each one filled with the energy and enthusiasm that makes campus drives so special.

The month wrapped up at the University of Illinois Springfield, where students once again showed their commitment to helping patients in central Illinois and beyond.

Our ABO Initiative is a way for students to be part of something bigger.

The Future is Now

The future of blood donation came to life last Thursday at Seckman High School in Imperial, Missouri.

During the school’s blood drive, students tried out our new mixed reality technology, using a HoloLens 2 headset to immerse themselves in calming visuals while they donated. The experience helps first-time donors feel more at ease, turning what can be an anxious moment into one of comfort and curiosity.

A KMOV news crew joined us to capture the excitement, highlighting how this innovative tool is helping young donors feel more confident and connected to our mission.

Leaders for Life

The next generation of lifesavers is hard at work in Warrensburg, Illinois.

Students at Warrensburg-Latham High School hosted their second blood drive of the year last Friday, continuing a long-standing partnership that has become part of the school’s culture of service. Led by the National Honor Society and advisor Stephanie, the students organize five blood drives each year, providing hundreds of donations that help local patients.

From volunteering to donating, students like Rylie and Maddie are learning the power of giving back. They're helping save lives and helping their school earn a LifeSavings grant.

This small-town school is making a big impact and we are grateful to partner with them! Check out this story about our partnership from WAND.

Green Tree Brewery

One of our favorite partnerships is called Pint Club! We team up with breweries for blood drives, including this one last Thursday at Green Tree Brewery In LeClaire, Iowa. A pint for a pint seems like a pretty great trade, right? 

Our Green Tree friends gave each donor a voucher for a free pint of locally crafted beer. The event brought together neighbors and regulars for an afternoon that blended community spirit with great taste.

Partnerships like this show how local businesses can lift up our mission in meaningful and memorable ways. Cheers to Green Tree Brewery and to everyone who donated to make the day a success. Learn more about Pint Club!

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Cali Milligan

Benefits Coordinator

Cali Milligan, Benefits Coordinator

Time at ImpactLife
8 Years

Blood Type
AB+

What runs through your veins?
Sunshine and Daydreams

What's your favorite thing about being part of our team?
What’s not to love?! I get to work with amazing, highly capable and caring humans! Not just my co-workers, but also the employees that reach out with questions. It is a special thing to work with an organization that has great impact in the lives of our community members. It is an honor serve and support our team members that are out making it happen!

When you are not at work you can be found?
Taking my dog for walks; sitting on my front porch crocheting or having coffee/tea with various porch pals (both pets and friends); working on house projects and in the yard with my partner, Sandra; or carting my two teens around to their various things.

Feel-Good News is published every Friday to inspire + connect our ImpactLife team.

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