In a time for traditions, De Pere teacher gives blood

By Laura McGuire, American Red Cross

Natalie Buhl is a frequent blood donor approaching her 57th blood donation. When she was young, she vividly recalls attending her father’s blood donation appointments and the pride she felt knowing he was helping to save lives.

When Buhl became old enough to donate blood, she made for her first blood donation appointment and has been donating blood regularly ever since.

She is also a teacher at West De Pere High School and wants to be an inspiration to her students the way her father inspired her to give blood so many years ago.

“I’ve been blessed with good health all my life,” said Buhl. “I donate blood for those who have not been so fortunate. It’s a little thing I can do that means a lot to someone in need. We are role models for the next generation of blood donors.”

More than 160 community members typically roll up their sleeve to give at the annual Green Bay Winter Holiday Blood Drive. The Red Cross is thanking those who come to give Dec. 23 at St. John the Baptist School and Dec. 27 at the Ashwaubenon Community Center with an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last.

Appointments are encouraged; visit RedCrossBlood.org to make your appointment at one of these or other festive drives over the holidays.

“We would never be able to host such a successful drive without the incredible support of the community,” said Steve Hansen, Executive Director for the Northeast Wisconsin Chapter of the American Red Cross. “Year after year, the community steps up to the call for blood donations which go toward helping to save lives. We are grateful for those who respond to the constant need for blood donations at such a critical time of the year.”