A local family is teaming up with LifeServe Blood Center in inviting the public to roll up their sleeves and donate next week during a blood drive being held in memory of a loved one who passed a way a year ago. The Shirley Tomka Memorial Blood Drive begins at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 10 in the Carrollton Inn Ballroom. Tomka was an avid blood donor and always encouraged the people in her life to give. Two of her grandchildren, Ben Nielsen and Olivia Tomka, says the family thought the best way to memorialize her was through a blood drive in her honor.
They are hoping to spread her outlook on blood donations to others with Monday’s event. The Tomka family gathered in July in response to a critical shortage of donors, which sparked the idea for an annual memorial drive.
As of Wednesday morning, about 58 of the 80 spots available have been filled. They say their grandmother would be so excited if they had every appointment booked.
Again, the Shirley Tomka Memorial Blood Drive runs from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 10 at the Carrollton Inn Ballroom. To schedule an appointment, contact Sara Anderson at 712-830-7582, text LIFESERVE to 999-777, call 800-287-4903 or log on to www.lifeservebloodcenter.org.
