Staff photo by Fritz Busch Tim Zinniel of New Ulm donates blood with phlebotomist Jeremy Welling of Mankato at the New Ulm Community Center Wednesday. The blood drive continues noon to 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9 and 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10.

NEW ULM — American Red Cross phlebotomist Karlie Raymond of Mankato said she really enjoys coming to New Ulm for blood drives.

“The turnout is awesome today in New Ulm with 100 appointments. It’s always great here,” said Raymond. “People really care about giving blood. But there is always room for more. We’d like more young people to come. There’s plenty of space for walk-ins too.

Blood donors included Jennifer Willegal of Gibbon.

“It’s been a long time since I donated, but I came today because it’s important to me. My friend’s mom needed blood. I think it’s very important to do. Lots of people need blood,” said Willegal.

Tim Zinniel of New Ulm donated blood with help from phlebotomist Jeremy Welling of Mankato. Zinniel said blood donation is a family tradition.

“My grandpa Harkin and my mom were strong believers in it. I just think it’s a worthy cause. I’ve been donating blood for more than 20 years. I enjoy donating blood and all the people I meet,” said Zinniel.

“I like what I do. I love my job. I love helping people. It’s the easiest work you can do to save three lives with each donation,” he said.

Blood drive coordinator Ellen Friedrich of New Ulm said the blood drive is one of three held in New Ulm each year. The other two drives, in summer and fall, are held at the New Ulm Civic Center.

“With all the storms going on including the hurricanes this year, blood drives on those areas get cancelled. Most of the donated blood comes from the Midwest. We have room for walk-in donors on all three days,” said Friedrich.

Type O negative blood donors and those giving platelets are especially urged to give now to keep critical blood products on the shelves for needy patients, according to the Red Cross.

The start of the new year is one of the most challenging times to collect blood products as the threat of severe winter weather builds and can lead to widespread blood drive cancellations, according to the American Red Cross.

Active cold and flu season may also prevent people from keeping donation appointments as they rest and recover from illness.

The local blood drive continues from noon to 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9 and 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 10 at the New Ulm Community Center, 600 N. German St. The Comfrey Community Center, 120 BroSt., hosts a blood drive noon to 6 p.m., Jan. 9.

Other blood drives are 1-6 p.m., Monday, Jan. 13 at the Franklin Community Center, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Cedar Mountain High School, Morgan; 1-6 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 4 at the Westbrook Community Center, 12-6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5 at Nicollet High School and 12-6 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 6 at the Sanborn Ballroom.

For more information, visit redcross.org/mndaks.