Gower woman appointed to Children’s Mercy council

Jan Schwarz of Gower, Mo., has been appointed to the Regional Council of Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City.

Founded in 1983, the council is a volunteer advocacy group composed of representatives from the counties in the hospital’s referral region. Council members support the hospital in a variety of ways, including fundraising, working with the United Way, arranging informational presentations, advocating for children’s health issues and serving as a liaison to the community.

Ms. Schwarz brings new leadership to the Council from Clinton County. She works for The University of Missouri-Campus Community Alliance for Smoke-free Environments. She also serves on the Clinton County University of Missouri Outreach & Extension Council, as a Leadership Northwest member, the vice moderator of the Disciples of Christ area board, a 4-H and 77A volunteer, as well as in many more volunteer activities.

Upcoming blood drives

A Community Blood Center blood drive will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday at American Family Insurance, 4802 Mitchell Ave., in the Arizona and Colorado rooms. To make an appointment online, go to www.esavealifenow.org and use the sponsor code “americanfamily.” You also may contact Nila Hale at 364-1541 ext. 57675. Just one donation can help as many as two local hospital patients, and Community Blood Center must collect at least 580 pints of blood every day to meet the needs of our area.

Community Blood Center will also hold a drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 4 at Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory, 5005 Frederick Blvd., in the reception room. To make an appointment online, go to www.esavealifenow.org and use the sponsor code “meierhofferfuneral.” You may also contact Eric Montegna at 271-0387.

Dress Barn raises funds for Cancer Society

In order to support the research for a cure for cancer, Dress Barn in St. Joseph. 5201 N. Belt Highway No. E2, is continuing its annual participation as an American Cancer Society Relay for Life National Corporate Team Program member. In addition to the company’s sales associate and community involvement in Relay for Life events, Dress Barn is introducing a heart bracelet to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. The bracelets will be sold for $5 from May 1 through Aug. 31, or while supplies last. Dress Barn will contribute the entire $2.50 net profit to the American Cancer Society.

Lifestyles reporter Erin Wisdom can be reached at ewisdom@npgco.com.