Blood drive to be held at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Prior Lake

Prior Lake American

Carolyn Morgan can't give blood herself.

Morgan, who has been involved with the blood drive at St. Paul's Lutheran Church for more than 10 years, was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism in 1997. Part of the treatment was drinking radioactive iodine, meaning she cannot donate blood.

"Because I can't do that and because I'm a talky person and I love people and because God's been good to me with the treatment I had, I wanted to give back," Morgan said.

St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 5634 Luther Drive SE, in Prior Lake will host a community blood drive on Thursday, March 22 from 1 to 7 p.m.

The event is sponsored by American Red Cross. It's the first of three that will be held throughout the year, always held in March, July and November. Morgan has been involved in all three of the drives every year she's helped organize.

Morgan used to serve on the outreach board at the church. One day, a pastor asked her what they could be doing to bring people to the church. Morgan, who had heard the phrase "blood saves lives" came up with the idea to host a blood drive.

"It's brought so many new faces, new people to the communities," Morgan said. "Now, with computers and updated technology and stuff, they can come back to us within the week to tell us where most of the blood pints went ... People like to know where they're helping save lives, and I think that's awesome."

Though she can't herself, Morgan's actions have allowed many others to give blood.

"I can't give the blood, but I can coordinate blood drives that will save many lives," Morgan said. "I thought 'put on a blood drive, save a life.'"

Now, the blood drive has a staff of seven women that help put it on, including Morgan.

"I live my life to the fullest and my husband says I'm a talker like you wouldn't believe," Morgan said. "The Lord's got me in the right place. I'm just lucky to be alive."

To sign up for a time slot, call Morgan at 612-382-6942 or visit the drive's webpage at redcrossblood.org/rcbmobile/drive/chooseDonationTime.jsp.