Talk of the Town

Ace Hardware is host site for Dec. 19 blood drive

Every day in our community, someone’s parent, child, or neighbor needs blood to survive. The Community Blood Bank is issuing an urgent call for donors to help maintain the blood supply that serves 43 local hospitals and patients throughout the region. Brandon Ace Hardware will host a community blood drive from 9 a.m.-noon and 1:30-5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19. Appointments may be scheduled online at cbblifeblood.org (select “events” and De. 19) or call (605) 321-3222. Donors at this event will receive a $15 Texas Roadhouse gift card.

Seasonal illnesses and holiday activities have impacted donation numbers, creating an urgent need for all blood types. Every donation can help save up to three lives through various blood components: Red blood cells for trauma and surgery patients; plasma for burn victims and patients with clotting problems; and platelets for cancer patients and those undergoing organ transplants

Eligible donors must be at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent found at cbblifeblood.org), weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good general health. It is recommended that a person eat within 3 hours of their blood donation and drink plenty of fluids. Please bring an I.D. with you to the blood donation appointment. 

Circuit’s Winter Clothing Drive deadline nears

Circuit Fitness in Brandon is conducting a Winter Weather Clothing Drive for the St. Francis House in Sioux Falls now through Dec. 20. Donations may be dropped off at Circuit, 1124 E. Holly Blvd., 3-7:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 8-11:30 a.m. Saturdays.

Donations of new or gently-used (clean) clothing in adult and children’s sizes are sought. Items to consider are hats, gloves, scarves, jackets coats, sweaters, boots, socks, and blankets.

Volunteer drivers needed to deliver Meals on Wheels in January

Volunteers are needed to fill the schedule of volunteer drivers for Brandon’s Meals on Wheels route this January. Drivers are needed for all Tuesdays and Wednesdays, plus Jan. 23, 2025.

Volunteers will pick up meals at approximately 11:45 a.m. and deliver to an estimated 18 stops in Brandon. Volunteers do not only deliver hot, nutritious meals, but also provide social interaction for the meal recipients.

If interested, contact Samantha Locke at (605) 333-3305 or email slocked@activegen.org.