COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (Nov. 13, 2018) — The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage and urgently needs blood and platelet donors to give now to avoid delays in lifesaving medical care for patients. Volunteer blood drive hosts are also critically needed to prevent the shortage from worsening this winter. During September and October, the Red Cross collected over 21,000 fewer blood and platelet donations than what hospitals needed. Blood donors of all blood types, especially type O, and platelet donors are urged to make an appointment to donate at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Fewer blood drives in September and October coupled with hurricanes Michael and Florence, which caused thousands of blood and platelet donations to go uncollected, were key contributing factors to the current blood shortage.

Cliff Numark, senior vice president, Red Cross Biomedical Services, says “This time of year, as many give thanks for family, friends and good health, it’s important to remember that patients across the country cannot survive without your generosity. From traumas to ongoing cancer treatments, the need for blood doesn’t stop for the holidays. People can give back – and help those in need – by making a lifesaving blood or platelet donation now and hosting a blood drive in the weeks to come.”

An additional 4,300 blood drives nationally – and 140 blood drives in this area – are needed in December, January and February to help stop the shortage from continuing throughout winter. Donations often decline during the winter holidays when many groups postpone blood drives while regular donors are busy with holiday activities and travel. Severe winter weather may also cause blood drive cancellations contributing to fewer donations than needed.

To encourage donations around the Thanksgiving holiday, those who come to donate blood or platelets with the Red Cross Nov. 21-24 will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

How to help: Eligible donors can find a blood or platelet donation opportunity and schedule an appointment to donate by using the free Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donation appointments and completion of a RapidPass, are encouraged to help speed up the donation process. RapidPass lets donors complete the pre-donation reading and answer the health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, from the convenience of a mobile device or computer, or through the Blood Donor App.

The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce and Cass County Health System are now accepting nominations for the 2018 Angel(s) of Christmas. The Angel of Christmas is a tradition in Atlantic recognizing and thanking area residents who symbolize the true meaning of the season. Angels exemplify the true holiday spirit all year long – putting others first, spreading generosity and sharing the holiday spirit with everyone they meet. Bailey Smith, Executive Director at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce said “Sometimes we forget the true meaning of the season and I think celebrating people who put others first and spread holiday cheer all year long deserve to be recognized.”

In 2017, Bob Boots was named the Angel of Christmas, demonstrating the true meaning of the season by offering his time and talents as a tireless volunteer to the community. Bob spends his time volunteering at many organizations including the American Legion. He can be found leading flag retirement ceremony’s, repairing flags that are donated to organizations, creating beautiful wood carvings and balloon animals for kids. There isn’t a task Bob can’t conquer without a smile on his face.

Please nominate the Christmas Angel you know to the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce by November 26th. This year’s angel will be announced at the Holiday Concert on December 2nd at 3 PM at the First United Methodist Church in Atlantic. Nominate by submitting brief comments about this person to the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce or email chamber@atlanticiowa.com. You can find a nomination form on www.christmasinatlantic.com.

EARLVILLE, Iowa (AP) — Authorities are investigating the death of a northeast Iowa woman who fell at her farm. First responders were sent around noon Saturday to the farm about 4 miles (7 kilometers) northwest of Earlville. They found 39-year-old Amy Mullis injured. The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office says Mullis was taken to a hospital in Manchester, where she died. Details about the fall have not been released.

Police in Creston said today, a woman from Creston reported that sometime between 5-and 6-p.m. Sunday, someone stole the laptop issued to her daughter by the Creston Schools. The Laptop was taken out of the girls’ personal belongings that had been left in a hallway at the school. The loss was estimated at $230