Everyone is invited to do a good deed and donate blood in memory of Ironton resident Leon Schefers, who passed away in March 2025.

Following years of volunteering at local blood drives, Leon became a dedicated Red Cross blood program volunteer leader. In 2020 he began coordinating with the Northland Arboretum on blood drives that to date have collected more than 1,400 pints of lifesaving blood for patients going through surgery, trauma and other emergencies.

“Leon dedicated thousands of volunteer hours to serving his community and neighbors. Since his passing, we’ve all realized just how much he was doing and what an integral person he was in so many people’s lives. He’s always been an advocate of the Red Cross, and led blood drives that have impacted thousands of lives,” said Corey Boe, business manager for American Red Cross Blood Services in the greater Brainerd area.

Leon was a longtime partner of the Red Cross, actively engaging several communities of central and northern Minnesota to become involved with our mission as volunteers and blood donors. The Northland Arboretum is proud to continue in Leon’s memory, sponsoring blood drives with help from volunteers who worked closely with him.

“This blood drive is all about doing good for others, which Leon practiced every day,” added Boe.  

Blood Drive Details

Thursday, September 25, 2025
9 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Northland Arboretum, 14250 Conservation Dr, Baxter, MN 56425 

Appointments can be made at RedCrossBlood.org, through the Red Cross Blood Donor App or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Find easily with sponsor keyword: Northland Arboretum.

Those who come to give blood on September 25 will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card** by email.* Additional details can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/Fall. Eligible donors of all blood types and procedure types who present to give and have a valid email address on file will receive the $10 Amazon.com Gift Card.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides emotional support to disaster victims; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Minnesota and Dakotas Region, comprising seven community chapters and five Blood Donation Centers, serves over 7.3 million people, including Indigenous nations and communities. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit RedCross.org/mndaks.

Disclaimers:

**Restrictions apply, see amazon.com/gc-legal.

*Presenting donors who receive this offer and present to donate during the applicable promotional time frame are eligible to receive the above-described e-gift card(s). This offer is non-transferable and not redeemable for cash. Limit one (1) per presenting donor unless otherwise indicated. If a presenting donor qualifies for multiple offers, the donor will only receive the higher offer unless otherwise indicated. Instructions on how to redeem the gift card will be emailed to the address listed on the presenting donor’s American Red Cross donor profile approximately thirty (30) days after attempted donation(s). All gift cards are subject to individual merchant terms and conditions, and all trademarks are property of their respective owners. Merchants and offers are subject to change. No substitutions by presenting donors. American Red Cross is not responsible for lost, damaged, corrupted or stolen gift cards and may replace any such cards at its sole discretion. Any questions or problems in connection with redeeming gift cards must be directed to the merchant.