By Dana Simmons, American Red Cross

Kiran Trivedi, a junior at Los Alamitos High School, stepped up this summer to contribute to the American Red Cross mission by hosting blood drives, becoming a first-time blood donor and donating in-kind gifts for the Service to the Armed Forces program. Kiran’s leadership skills have been attained from years of extensive volunteer work and community involvement. 

Kiran has been committed to community service since first joining Cub Scouts in second grade where he earned the highest-ranking, Arrow of Light. He transitioned to Boy Scouts in 2016 and is currently working towards the rank of Eagle Scout. What Kiran has learned in Boy Scouts exceeds his knowledge in camping, hiking, and tying knots. His experience has also taught him how to stay on target when trying to achieve goals and how to overcome challenges. He has also learned, “step by step how to organize larger-scale projects and events, how to get people to work together, how to motivate people, and how to understand and judge people well and fairly.” In addition to the skills Kiran has gained, he is grateful for the wonderful people he has met along the way. He says, “These great role models helped make me a better person.”

When selecting an Eagle Scout project, a necessary task Boy Scouts must complete to earn their Eagle Scout ranking, Kiran chose to assist the Red Cross because his parents have been supporters for many years. He was eager to put his experience and learned skills from Boy Scouts into action to help the mission of the Red Cross, preventing and alleviating human suffering in the face of emergencies. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kiran learned that the Red Cross was experiencing a blood shortage. While observing COVID-19 protocols, he organized two blood drives, which included 22 first-time donors and collected 65 units of blood, saving up to 195 lives. “Donors have told me that they’re continuing to give blood because my drive brought awareness of the constant need,” Kiran says. Kiran also rolled up his sleeve for the first time to donate lifesaving blood for those in need.

In addition to helping hospital patients by organizing blood drives, Kiran is also assisting military members, veterans and their families through an in-kind donation to the Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces program. Kiran and other members of the Los Alamitos Jazz Band performed a free concert in July and asked attendees to bring blanket and towel donations. By the end of the concert, they had collected over 100 items that Kiran donated to the Red Cross Southern California Region, which serves San Diego, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Imperial Counties. Amy Diaz, Service to the Armed Forces Manager, picked up the items from Kiran’s house. "Kiran's contributions and generosity are truly going to make an impact in our community,” says Amy. “With the current state of the homeless veteran's crisis in Southern California, Kiran's donations are a tremendous help to improve the lives of veterans and their families.” 

Kiran's community work does not stop at Boy Scouts. He and his mother, Paurvi, also participate in National League of Youth Men, Inc. and Kiran received the Presidents Volunteer Service Award for his commitment to assisting the young and elderly in 2020 and 2021. He has volunteered at sports camps and summer enrichment programs teaching children sports and crafts. He also spends time at a local senior living community, brightening the lives of more than 50 residents by playing the piano. Paurvi says Kiran’s “determination to achieve success and kindness to help others are remarkable.”

Kiran’s contributions to the Red Cross and other community organizations are nothing short of incredible. Kiran says, “his passion for service was instilled in him at a young age, and he has always been inspired to give back to his community.” In the future, he wants to attend a four-year college, study law, continue playing music and continue his community service work. The Red Cross Southern California Region is grateful for Kiran’s willingness to help hospital patients in need and help military members, veterans and their families!