|
Volunteers: Making a Difference in Everyday Lives
Olivia Elee, Special to RedCross.org
Friday, September 05, 2003 — Cleveland’s Northern Ohio Blood Services Region supports over 12,000 blood transfusions every week, up to 85% of the blood needed in northern Ohio. In operation since the 1950s, the Region recruits blood donors and collects, processes and distributes blood to 60 hospitals in 19 northern Ohio counties. The most active bloodmobile in the area, the Red Cross supports more than 20 blood drives at mobile sites throughout the week.
A Red Cross volunteer serves juice to a blood donor.
|
“After receiving blood myself, my thoughts were that someone in the goodness of their heart gave blood so I could live.” Katie, Burton, Ohio.
How does one Red Cross office accomplish so much? With 4,000 volunteers who contributed more than 131,800 hours last year, equaling $2,232,598 in added value! Red Cross Blood Services volunteers are men and women of all ages from a variety of backgrounds, brought together by a joy of working with people and a desire to make a difference in their community. And at the Red Cross, where volunteers are 97% of the workforce, volunteers are welcomed, trained and recognized and work side-by-side with paid staff. “The people at the bloodmobiles and I have become friends,” states Jack, a volunteer from Portage County.
“I like meeting people and helping out” Clarice, Lorain County, Ohio.
Blood Services volunteers are involved with several activities. Blood Drive Registration Expediters welcome donors during registration at bloodmobiles; Volunteer Schedulers and Instructors recruit and orient new volunteers for community bloodmobiles; and Blood Drive Donor Escorts pick up and drop off blood donors, Because the FDA regulates Blood Services operations, some volunteer activities require specific training, testing and strict adherence to mandated procedures. “Making bags” is one such volunteer job; volunteers assemble bags and labels for use when blood is being collected.
“I like to volunteer so I can have some time away from my home and to meet many donors. I feel I am making a difference in my community by volunteering.” Mary, Ashtabula County, Ohio.
Northern Ohio Blood Services Region volunteers have developed distinctive programs to promote blood services-CrossViews, a community cable TV show, and the radio show Red Cross Notebook. Volunteers provide the research, write and produce the shows and local TV and radio outlets volunteer the air time.
“I volunteer for the Red Cross, because it was available for my daughter who needed surgery. I have met a lot of really nice people and have built good friendships with them. We are all involved in something we think is important.” Anne Townley, Trumbull County, Ohio.
The radio and TV promotions have attracted hundreds of volunteers. Other become involved when a friend brings them to help out, or after they’ve participated in a community blood drive. What makes volunteers want to help out with American Red Cross blood drives? Pat of Portage County explains his decision: “I volunteer for the bloodmobiles…because I care about people. I see how a blood donation can help save a life and feel fortunate to be a part of the American Red Cross team.”
“(It is) a good use of my time to help others in a worthwhile, proven organization.” Carolyn, Aurora, Ohio.
In fact, the number of Blood Services volunteers has been growing in recent years. Fran of Lake County surmises a viewpoint of many volunteers: “I take personal pride in making the canteen [where energy-giving snacks are dispensed to blood donors] a more pleasant experience by adding personal table decorations. Volunteering for me is a wonderful way to meet people and help in my community.”
Some volunteers want to give back to the Red Cross because they have been helped. “My son was in a terrible motorcycle accident, lost his leg and used a lot of blood,” said Pat from Erie County. “I told myself that when my children were grown, I wanted to give back for all the help that was given to my son.”.
“[I] hope that volunteer activities will help make a difference,” John, Mentor, Ohio.
Red Cross volunteers are recognized and celebrated for all of their hard work and dedication. Years of Service pins are bestowed upon every volunteer who contributes five years or more of service to the American Red Cross. The pins are awarded in five-year increments. “I was thrilled when I received my 20 year pin! I proudly wear it on my blouse for all to see when I am volunteering,” states Grace of Summit County. Another award is the Blood Services’ Volunteer Hero of the Year, presented to volunteers who provide exceptional service excellence at blood drives. The award is presented every April, during National Volunteer Week. There are several additional awards given to Blood Services volunteers each year, including those given at the national level.
Although awards are given out to the volunteers who have stood out, making Red Cross Blood Services successful is truly a collaborative effort. As Violet from Cuyahoga County puts it, “I feel I am helping in a small way toward the tremendous job the American Red Cross does in helping those in need. I only wish I could contribute more time!”
To find out how you can become a Red Cross volunteer, too, contact your local Red Cross chapter.
Related Links:
|
