Rooted in Gratitude: How One Story Inspired Upcoming Lifesaving Blood Drives at Cider Hill Farm
- Cider Hill Farm Team
- Jun 29
- 3 min read
At Cider Hill Farm, community means everything. This season, we’re opening our doors and our hearts in a deeply personal way. Inspired by the lifesaving generosity that once helped our own Program Director, Valerie, we’re partnering with the American Red Cross to host a series of blood drives right here at the farm. Just one hour of your time and one pint of blood can save up to three lives. Together, let’s turn gratitude into action and make a real difference for those who need it most.
Why We’re Hosting Blood Drives at the Farm
Q: Why is Cider Hill Farm hosting blood drives this season?
A: These drives are deeply personal for us. Nearly 20 years ago, Val, our Program Director, was diagnosed with an end stage of a blood disorder affecting the bone marrow. Val needed a life-saving stem cell transplant supported by countless transfusions of red blood cells and platelets from generous, anonymous donors. Today, she’s thriving thanks to those who gave. Inspired by her story, we’re hosting these drives to give back and help others facing medical crises.
Q: Why we are partnering with the American Red Cross?
A: The American Red Cross plays a vital role in making sure hospitals and patients have timely access to lifesaving blood products. By working with them, we know each pint donated at our drives is carefully tested, safely stored, and quickly distributed to patients in need. Their national reach, reliability, and dedication perfectly match our farm’s mission to serve and support the broader community.
Q: Where at the farm are the drives held?
A: The drives take place inside The Battis Room, our indoor private event space, a comfortable, climate-controlled area right here at Cider Hill Farm. This welcoming spot makes it easy to donate rain or shine, with seating and friendly volunteers ready to guide you through the process. Plus, you can enjoy the beautiful farm surroundings before or after your appointment.
Q: How easy is it to give blood? What’s the process like?
A: It’s simpler than many people expect! From start to finish, the whole process usually takes about an hour. Here’s what typically happens:
Registration & quick health screening – A staff member will check your temperature, hemoglobin, and ask a few questions about your health and travel history.
Donation – The actual blood draw takes about 8–10 minutes. You’ll relax comfortably in a reclining chair while a small amount of blood (about one pint) is collected.
Refresh & recover – After donating, you’ll rest for a few minutes and enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks to help you feel refreshed.
Q: How many people can one donation help?
A: Just one blood donation can save up to three lives! Your generosity truly makes an impact, especially during ongoing national blood shortages.
Q: When are the blood drives happening?
A: We’re hosting three drives this season:
July 29, 2 pm - 7 pm
August 4, 9 am - 2 pm
October 23, 11 am - 4 pm
Q: How can I sign up to donate?
A: Register here to choose your date and secure a time slot.
Q: Why does hosting the drives at the farm matter?
A: Cider Hill Farm is rooted in community, gratitude, and nourishing others whether through fresh food or lifesaving action. By welcoming donors to the farm, we hope to honor Val’s journey and bring people together to help save lives, right where our community already comes to connect.
Join Us
From all of us at Cider Hill Farm, thank you for taking the time to read, reflect, and consider giving. Your donation doesn’t just fill a need - it offers hope, healing, and life to those who need it most, just as anonymous donors once did for Val.
We warmly invite you to join us at the farm this season, roll up your sleeve, and be part of something truly lifesaving. Together with the American Red Cross, we can turn gratitude into action and make a real difference in our community and beyond.
Reserve your spot today - and help save lives.
