Retired Nurse, Church Member Behind Three Decades of Blood Drives at St. Paul Lutheran Church
Just as it has for the past 33 years, the LifeSource blood drive planned in the school gym from 7 a.m.- 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 100 South School St., Mt. Prospect, will run like clockwork under the direction of churchgoer and retired nurse Sue Jump.
Since 1981, the Prospect Heights' resident has been the driving force behind the church's bi-annual blood drives. Three decades ago, her role as a St. Paul volunteer evolved from Sunday school teacher to blood drive coordinator. Like many, St. Paul's pastor knew that Jump had spent her career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
"Senior Pastor Kris Whitby told me that the church needed someone to do weekly health checks and run the blood drive," Jump remembers.
Every Sunday morning since, Jump has performed free blood pressure checks from 9-10:45 a.m. for St. Paul's congregation.
Lucky for her, too, she had to look no further than her husband, Ron, and fellow congregation member Al Peterson for help with planning the first blood drive in 1981. Years later, the trio continues to work side by side on the blood drives.
The May blood drive typically begins with Jump reviewing the previous year's list, and then personally calling each donor to encourage them to donate. She then asks to have the drive mentioned in the church bulletin, and ensures that blood drive signs are prepared for the church doors.
On the day of the drive, her husband, Ron, and their stepdaughter, Shirley Barrett, help in the kitchen and prepare the donuts for snacks. Peterson, meanwhile, helps set up chairs and the registration table.
"Years ago, Al used to sit at the table and register donors," she says with a smile. "But that was before everything got computerized."
Along with hosting daily blood drives, LifeSource operates 19 community donor centers and four fixed sites with regular operating days and hours.
In preparation for their donation, donors are asked to eat well, stay hydrated and arrive with proper identification. Blood donors must be at least 17 years old (or 16 years old with parental consent).
To schedule an appointment, contact LifeSource at (877) 543-3768, or visit www.lifesource.org, and use sponsor code MP15. Walk-ins are welcome.