Every family has its traditions and for Arnold and Marlene Schroeder, it is about helping others.  It all started nearly 20 years ago with one man, Arnold, donating at a church blood drive. Now, 20 years later, the tradition has grown into a family affair. Arnold, a man of few words, leads by example. Always there to help a neighbor, he donates blood because, “it’s important to help people. That’s all there is to it.” This is a belief that has also been passed on to his children and grandchildren.

“You give what you can, your time, your talents, that’s why we do it,” added Arnold’s son, Kevin. “This is a gift that keeps on giving.” To date, the Schroeders have donated enough blood to have helped as many as 100 people!

Gathered at the fall Palmyra High School Future Farmers of America (FFA) blood drive, this giving group was there to cheer on grandson Kyle who was donating for the first time. The blood drive was part of the Nebraska Community Blood Bank’s Educational Scholarship Program. In 2009, Palmyra High School received $1,060 scholarship dollars as a result of successful FFA-sponsored blood drives. 

The next Palmyra blood drive will be Monday, March 28, 2011.  To reserve a donation time contact Ken Malone, FFA faculty sponsor at (402)780-5327.