RUSSIA — St. Remy Catholic Church received Community Blood Center’s top honor, the Platinum Award in the LifeSaving Ambassadors Club, for surpassing blood drive collection goals in 2018.

St. Remy’s Hall blood drives in April and August are traditionally among the largest blood drives in Shelby County. The April 17 and Aug. 21 blood drives in 2018 totaled 354 donors and 332 whole blood donations, plus 18 platelet and plasma donations to average 111 percent of collection goals. Blood drive sponsors must achieve 100 percent or more to receive the Platinum Award.

CBC’s Kathy Pleiman presented the award to St. Remy’s Hall blood drive coordinators Carl and Betty York at the April 16 blood drive, which totaled 183 donors and 152 whole blood donations, plus 12 platelet and plasma donations.

The St. Remy’s Knights of Columbus sponsor the blood drive and provide funding for hot sandwiches served to donors. About 40 church volunteers also bake a variety of homemade cookies for the Donor Café.