The Levelland Noon Lions Club will host the “Straight from the Heart” Blood Drive Thursday, February 13, from 10 a.m. 2 p.m. at the LISD Boardroom.
The project idea started when a club member had multiple blood transfusions in 2023, and club members wanted to do something meaningful to honor him.
“Russell Vest is a longtime club member and an exemplary community member. In 2023, he used 33 units of blood while being treated for a chronic illness. That year, we decided we wanted to do something in his honor, and a blood drive was our first thought,” said Past Levelland Noon Lions Club President, Andrea Corley. “We love Russell and the Vest family, and wanted to do the blood drive around Valentines Day.”
The club decided to call it the “Straight from the Heart” blood drive.
Upon investigation, the club learned that Vitalent was busy around Valentines Day in 2024, so the event never happened.
“There were several blood drives in Russell’s honor, and some of us donated. But it wasn’t our own blood drive for our Lion brother,” said Corley. “We began working in advance and were able to secure a date this year: February 13.”
“We are so grateful there was blood available when Russell needed it, and now we want to pay it forward,” said Levelland Noon Lions Club President Ryan Noland.
“After receiving 33 units of blood, I have only reported for checkup visits in the last 14 months. Donating blood is a very generous and humbling way to help those in need. I am proof that it works,” said Russell Vest. “We invite anyone who hasn’t given blood in the last eight weeks to register to donate,” said Noland.
Call 8064421465 for donation information.