Volunteers Promoting Unique Way to Fundraise With “Save Our Extension and Save a Life” Campaign

Several committed volunteers have organized a unique effort to generate funds for the Greene County Extension office while also drawing attention to the serious financial situation that is handcuffing Extension programs in the county.

Dellene Nelson, a member of the Greene County Master Gardener, has been working with other members of the Master Gardener chapter on a campaign they are calling, “Save Our Extension and Save a Life.” Donors can earn money for Greene County Extension and also donate plasma to help save a life.

The plasma drive starts Feb. 18 with an all-out donation blitz on Saturday Feb. 23. The BioLife donation center is located at 1620 East Erie St., Springfield, Mo., just west of Friendly Ford.

Nelson says the payoff rates are more in the month of February and there is a coupon price of $30 for your first visit. The next visit will pay $40 and the third visit will bring $50 for a total of $120. A person can give plasma twice in a week.

“Biolife will be working with us to insure the process will go as smooth as possible. The first visit will include a wellness checkup that will take about one hour to complete. I have seen the process myself and it becomes routine after the first visit,” said Nelson.

The process of giving platelets actually helps to save lives. This time, donating plasma will also help Greene County Extension Council save the life of the educational programs it supports.

“After donating plasma the donor will be given a debit card that can be used as cash. The donor can send the debit card to the Greene County Extension office (include the pin number) and extension will cash it in. Or, anyone wanting not to donate plasma can just write a check payable to Greene County Extension,” said Nelson.

The hours for donation are from 5:30 a.m. Tuesday thru Friday until close at 7 p.m. Donors can made appointments to avoid a wait by calling 883-1527 or visit BioLife online at www.biolifeplasma.com. The BioLife donation center is located at 1620 East Erie St., Springfield, Mo., just west of Friendly Ford.

Donors must provide identification (picture id/social security document) proof of address, weigh at least 110 lbs. and be in good health. The age restrictions are 18 to 69 years of age.

“This campaign is a way the public can help breath some financial life back into Greene County Extension without dipping into their own pockets,” said Nelson.

Persons with questions can contact Dellene Nelson at (417) 882-2801.

Since 1914, Greene County residents have sought help from Extension in areas related to agriculture, gardening, 4-H youth, nutrition, families, business and community development. Members of “Friends of Greene County Extension” contribute financially to make it possible for Extension to continue having a positive impact on the quality of life in Greene County. To learn how you can donate go online to http://extension.missouri.edu/greene or call (417) 881-8909. The Greene County Extension Center is located inside the Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center, 2400 S. Scenic, Ave., Springfield, Mo.