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St. Louis Jewish Community Blood Drive

When a community rolls up its sleeves together, good things happen.

More than 60 donors showed up (when) to the 2026 St. Louis Jewish Community Blood Drive at Young Israel Synagogue in University City, Missouri. It was a powerful reminder of what our partners make possible when they bring people together with a shared purpose.

This drive has been a cornerstone of this community for 17 years, thanks to the dedication of blood drive coordinators Dr. Robert “Bob” and Judy Hellman.

Inspired by a message shared during a Passover sermon, they set out to create a chesed project, a way to serve others through kindness and action. In January 2008, they hosted the very first Jewish Community Blood Drive, and their commitment has only grown stronger since.

Partnerships like this one help keep blood available for the patients we serve.

Give blood. Earn rewards. Make an even bigger impact.

This year, our Donor for Life program is even more rewarding, to help encourage donors to keep coming back all year long. As of January 1, we're adding new rewards based on how many donations our donors give each year. The more often a blood donor gives, the more rewards they will receive. Here's what it looks like: Whether someone donates whole blood (up to 6 times a year) or platelets (up to 24 times a year), every completed donation counts toward their annual total. Donors can then choose their reward, including:

  • An electronic gift card
  • Bonus points to shop the Rewards Store
  • Charitable donation to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit of their choice through our Good Giving program

For blood drive partners, this is a great way to help build momentum and encourage repeat donors throughout the year. 

Learn More About the Program

MLK Day of Service

"Life's most persistent and urgent question is What are you doing for others?"

During this week, we had the chance to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy the best way we know how -- by serving others.

Across our region, we partnered for MLK Day of Service blood drives to turn a day of remembrance into a day of action.

At the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Illinois, donors stepped up to help keep blood on the shelves for local hospitals.

At SSM St. Mary’s Hospital in Richmond Heights, Missouri, teams and community members made time to give back in a place where caring for others is already part of the mission. 

At Our Lady Queen of Peace School and Church in Belleville, Illinois, the drive brought neighbors together with one shared purpose, helping patients they may never meet.

And in Decatur, Terrance “TAT” Taylor did more than host an in-center drive. He rolled up his own sleeve and donated, using his voice and his action to inspire service for life.

"We can go through life never expecting to need donated blood. That is where I am today needing 2 units of blood following triple bypass surgery. Thanks to people like yourself I have been given a second chance to living a better life"

Thank the Donor allows blood recipients to send a personal message to the specific donor whose blood helped them. These messages, often shared with photos, create a powerful connection between donor and patient and remind donors that their gift reached a real person. 

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