James River Church hosts "Saturday Serve" Blood Drive January 31st with Community Blood Center of the Ozarks
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JOPLIN, Mo. – (Jan. 28, 2026) – James River Church is partnering with Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO) to host a community blood drive on Saturday, January 31, as part of its “Saturday Serve” outreach initiative. CBCO is the sole supplier of blood, platelets, and plasma to patients at more than 40 hospitals in the region, and the need for donors is ongoing.
The blood drive will be held Saturday, Jan. 31, from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Atrium at James River Church, 1850 S. Maiden Lane. in Joplin.
“Saturday Serve” is a James River Church program that mobilizes volunteers to meet needs across Southwest Missouri. This blood drive reflects that mission by giving members and the community an opportunity to make a life-saving impact. Each donation can help save up to three lives.
“Serving others is at the heart of who we are,” said Kert Parsley, Chief Operating Officer at James River Church. “Partnering with Community Blood Center of the Ozarks for our Saturday Serve blood drive allows us to meet an important need and support our neighbors. We encourage everyone to come donate and make a meaningful impact, every donation has the potential to save up to three lives.”
"We are grateful to partner with James River Church for this Saturday Serve event," said Michelle Teter, Media Relations Representative at CBCO. "Blood donations are a vital part of patient care, and this drive gives the community a chance to come together and make a real difference for friends and neighbors in need."
Successful donors will enjoy breakfast burritos from Red Onion Cafe, courtesy of James River Church, and receive a free sweatshirt (while supplies last). Donors can also register for CBCO’s 56-Day Challenge, with a chance to win up to $56,000 in VISA gift cards, sponsored by the Adam Swenka Team at Flat Branch Home Loans and The Giving Branch.
Donors must:
Be at least 16 years old (16-year-olds need parental consent).
Weigh at least 110 pounds.
Be in good health.
Have not donated in the past 56 days.
Bring Photo ID.
Donors are encouraged to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of fluids before donating.
Appointments are strongly encouraged to reduce wait times. Schedule an appointment at:
https://jamesriver.church/serve/
One donation can help save the lives of up to three people right here in the Ozarks. Roll up your sleeve and give the gift of life to your community.
