A local family will once again honor the life of a loved one lost too soon.

The second annual Lauren Schwab Blood Drive will be held from 1 to 7 p.m. on Aug. 4 and 5 at St. Olaf Church in Austin.

Lauren Schwab

“It’s a way for the community to give back and feel like they’re doing something meaningful,” said Red Cross communications director Sue Thesenga.

Schwab died at the age of 20 in April of 2013 from pulmonary embolism. She was a nursing student at Winona State University in Winona and Riverland in Austin, as well as a board member and an avid volunteer of the American Red Cross.

“Lauren always put others’ needs ahead of hers,” Alex Hansen, friend of Schwab and blood drive coordinator, said in a press release. “Her goal in life was to help other people.”

Hansen had the idea to bring the event back again.

“We [decided to] organize an annual blood drive held in memory of her giving spirit and kindness to help patients in need of lifesaving blood products,” she said.

According to the American Red Cross, they are seeing fewer appointments at its blood donation centers and blood drives this summer than what is needed to ensure that blood and platelets continue to be available for patients.

“Giving blood is like giving the gift of life,” Thesenga said.

To learn more and make an appointment to donate blood, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

Upcoming

blood drives

•July 28 from 9 a.m. 3 p.m. at Mower County Red Cross, 305 NW Fourth Ave., Austin, Minn.

•July 29 from 10:30 a.m. 3:30 p.m. at St. Edwards Catholic Church, 2000 W. Oakland Ave., Austin, Minn.

•Lauren Schwab Blood Drive: Aug. 4 from 1-7 p.m. at St. Olaf’s Lutheran Church, 306 Second St. NW in Austin, Minn.

•Aug. 4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mower County Employees, 201 First St. NE in Austin, Minn.

•Lauren Schwab Blood Drive: Aug. 5 from 1-7 p.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 103 Pershing in Lyle, Minn.

•Aug. 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Olaf’s Lutheran Church, 306 Second St. NW in Austin, Minn.

•Aug. 11 from 1-7 p.m. at Corcoran Center, 2001 Second Ave. NW in Austin, Minn.

•Aug. 12 from 12-6 p.m. at Corcoran Center, 2001 Second Ave. NW in Austin, Minn.

•Aug. 13 from 1-7 p.m. at Community Center, 204 W. Main St. in Le Roy, Minn.

•Aug. 13 from 12-6 p.m. at Corcoran Center, 2001 Second Ave. NW in Austin, Minn.

•Aug. 14 from 2-7 p.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 411 W. Main St. in Brownsdale, Minn.