MONROE — Monroe Truck Equipment hosted its first Blood Drive event on March 16 on site at the company’s headquarters. Sponsors of the blood drive were McNeilus Steel, PDC and Motion Industries, who provided t-shirts and refreshments for all the donors and volunteers. With the commitment of the Monroe Truck Equipment team, they were able to collect 62 pints of blood that could potentially save 186 lives.

The goal is to support the local Red Cross and bolster the local blood bank reserves, which are critically low due to the COVID-19 virus. Donations are used for a variety of life-saving treatments, including surgeries, cancer treatments, chronic illnesses and traumatic injuries. 

The Red Cross provides about 40% of our nation’s blood and blood components from generous volunteer donors who feel compelled to give back to their communities. A single donation can save up to three lives. 

Monroe Truck Equipment has a blood drive planned every eight weeks through the end of the year. However, its next drive was moved up to May 11 because of the critical need. The blood drives have been spearheaded by Amanda Field, graphic artist at MTE. Donated blood saved her life after she was born with an RH incompatibility and required a blood transfusion shortly after birth. 

Unlike many recipients, Amanda actually had the opportunity to meet her donor, who happened to be a friend of her grandfather’s, Gottlieb Brandli. The two stayed in touch until he passed away.