Ellen Friedrich, volunteer coordinator for the drive, said the Civic Center hosts three blood drives each year.

“I got started when my husband worked for the Red Cross,” Friedrich said. “I’d wait for him to finish his shift, and the gals said, ‘Why don’t you help us instead of just sitting here?’ So I did.”

Red Cross representative Linda Helling, based in Mankato, will be on site to oversee donor flow and supplies.

Several donors participated Thursday afternoon, including Debra Waibel of New Ulm.

Chelsea Thompson of Windom holds up her unit of donated blood and labeled vials after giving Thursday afternoon during the Red Cross drive at the Civic Center. Photo by Amy Zents

“My brother needed blood when he was younger,” Waibel said. “I come two times a year.”

Chelsea Thompson, who lives in Windom and works in New Ulm, also donated Thursday.

“You save three lives with each donation,” Thompson said.

Hannah Hall, a Red Cross phlebotomist, was photographed drawing blood from Waibel. Hall said her team supports drives throughout southern Minnesota.

After donating, participants are offered water, root beer, and a free T-shirt.

For more information or to volunteer, contact the American Red Cross at 1215 South Broadway in New Ulm or call (507) 233-1111.