Churches work together for blood drives
By Sarah Schmitz
Collaboration Project Story Team
There’s been no shortage of needs brought to our collective attention as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but blood donations may not be one that immediately springs to mind. However, a few Madison churches not only identified this pressing need but decided to work together to be a part of resolving it within their community.
An awareness of the critical shortage in blood donations provided the impetus for what is now an ongoing collaborative effort between Madison Church and Trinity United Methodist Church. Their next combined blood drive will be on Oct. 12.
“With COVID-19, the American Red Cross had to postpone/cancel a lot of blood drives, which led to a national blood shortage.” said Stephen Feith, pastor of Madison Church, of the motivation for this partnership. “The need was there and we had a desire to work together.”
He and Breanna Illéné, pastor of Trinity United Methodist, had already established a good friendship and had a desire to see their churches come together in service of the community, and they saw their chance to make a meaningful impact through hosting a blood drive. Though both churches are on the smaller side, according to Feith, they also both hold “similar values for giving back to our community in tangible and impactful ways.”
The first event, held earlier this year, involved a few other churches as well who all met through a cohort of local churches called Missio Madison. This first effort yielded a total of 30 units of blood, surpassing the initial goal of 25 units.
Trinity’s building near Vilas Park on Madison’s near west side proved ideal for hosting the blood drive, providing an environment where COVID-appropriate safety and distancing protocols could be observed while still effectively collecting donations in a time of great need. Madison Church was able to rally and recruit plenty of volunteers to work the event, which made for an effective partnership effort.
Due to the positive turnout for this initial event and the ongoing need for blood, Trinity and Madison Church plan to continue their partnership indefinitely, with the goal of hosting two blood drives together each year. In fact, the next one is coming up on Monday, Oct. 12, from 1 to 6 p.m. and will again occur at Trinity’s facility, located at 1123 Vilas Ave.
Encouraged by their ability to surpass their first goal, the churches have increased their goal to 50 units this time and invite everyone, regardless of any church affiliation, to come out and donate.
Feith acknowledged the challenge in donating blood presents to many people, including himself. Some may be uncomfortable or anxious about needles or blood. Despite this difficulty, he explained that he does it anyway because “it's a way for me to sacrifice my comfort for the greater good.”
Feith’s perspective speaks to the values of these churches and their leadership to put the good of their neighbors and community first and give back in meaningful ways, especially during a time so fraught with physical needs.
To find more information about the upcoming October 12 blood drive, visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=Missiomadison.
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