CHESTER – The American Red Cross conducted a blood drive June 15 at the Chester American Legion.
Katie Koester and Nathan Koester of Coulterville enjoy snacks while they recover from donating blood Thursday June 15 at the American Legion in Chester. Both Koester’s are regular donors at the American Legion Blood Drives.
Katie graduated from Sparta High School in 2021 and is in her third year of donating.
Nathan, Katie’s father, is in his 6th year of donating and has given 30 units to date.
Both intend to donate again when the Red Cross returns to the American Post 487 in Chester for its next blood drive.
Karissa Young of the American Red Cross in Effingham, Illinois checks blood pressure and other vitals of Diana Howe of Old Appleton, Missouri.
Howe was attempting to donate blood.
Young had to travel all the way from Effingham because the crews from both Cape Girardeau and St. Louis were short-staffed and were unable to handle the Chester American Legion Post 487 blood drive.
Howe was able to give a usable unit of blood which will be used to save up-to-three lives.
She has been a regular donor for the past 10 years.
The Legion drive collected a total of 50 usable units of blood for the day.
The American Legion in Chester will host its next Red Cross Blood Drive Wednesday August 16.
(Jim Beers Photos)