Every year, millions of people make New Year’s resolutions, hoping to spark positive change. Resolve to make a positive change in 2023 by participating in the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks’ (CBCO) 56-Day Challenge. Donors who complete the entire challenge will have a chance to win up to $15,000.
Community Blood Center of the Ozarks donors provide all the blood for patients at Citizens Memorial Hospital, as well as over 40 other healthcare facilities across the Ozarks. Bolivar area residents will have the opportunity to donate on Thursday, Jan. 5 at Citizens Memorial Hospital in Bolivar at 1500 N Oakland. Drive hours are 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
To participate in the 56 Day Challenge, donors must give blood during January at any CBCO donor center or blood drive. Donors in January will receive a 56-Day Challenge pullover hoodie. Then, donors must fill out the 56-Day Challenge registration form online by February 28. Donors who then make a second donation by April 6 will be entered to win a $1,000.00 VISA gift card.
By making subsequent donations throughout the year by the deadlines, donors will have chances to win $2,000, $3,000, $4,000, and $5,000 Visa gift cards. Winning one prize does not disqualify a donor from winning future additional prizes during the challenge if they have met the requirements. For more information and official rules, go online to cbco.org/56day/.
Adam Swenka has been inspired to help encourage blood donation because it touched his life in a very personal way. His daughter, Joselina, needed blood transfusions when she was born and thanks to blood donors who gave with the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks, his daughter just became a proud big sister this year.
“You never know when it could be you, a friend, neighbor or family member who might be the one relying on volunteer blood donors to save your life,” Adam Swenka shares. “One of the things I wanted to accomplish with this 56-Day Challenge is to try and make sure people are aware of how often they can donate whole blood. Most people only give about once or twice a year and don’t realize they can give every 56 days. If everyone who gave blood just gave one more time, there wouldn’t be blood shortages and the community blood supply is one shortage we all have the power to prevent.”
To help avoid wait times, appointments are strongly encouraged. Donors can schedule an appointment at cbco.org/donate-blood/ or by calling 417-227-5006.
