For Ellen and John Burnside, giving back has become a way of life.

Now in their early 80s, the Idaho Falls couple spends retirement staying active, serving their community and supporting the American Red Cross as both blood donors and volunteers.

Whether welcoming donors at local blood drives or helping ensure every appointment runs smoothly, the Burnsides continue a lifelong commitment to service.

John, 86, is a retired military veteran who served for 21 years before owning an automotive service shop. Ellen, 82, worked as a substitute teacher and for the Montana Department of Revenue. Today, the couple volunteers as Red Cross blood donor ambassadors while continuing to donate blood themselves.

As blood donor ambassador volunteers, Ellen and John welcome donors to blood drives, check them in for appointments, answer questions and help ensure donors have a positive experience. Their friendly presence helps create a welcoming environment for those giving the gift of lifesaving blood.

The Burnsides' connection to the Red Cross began years ago while serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at an Arizona military base. After returning home to Helena, they began donating blood in about 2008.

"And we've donated ever since," Ellen said.

Since then, both Ellen and John have donated at least 50 units of blood.

The couple moved from Helena to Idaho Falls in 2018.

"But we didn't start our Red Cross volunteering right away. It took us about five years to begin what we do now, checking people in to donate," Ellen added.

After settling in Idaho Falls, the couple embarked on another LDS mission, this time to Hawaii, where they volunteered with the Pacific Islands Red Cross. There, they supported the Service to the Armed Forces program, which provides care, comfort, and emergency support to military members, veterans and their families. Ellen said it was "ideal" because of John's military background.

Back in Idaho Falls, the couple continues to donate blood and support local blood drives.

"Our volunteering has been very positive,” she said. “We found that the Red Cross is a good way to give."

One of the highlights of volunteering, she said, is seeing the generosity of community members who routinely step up to help patients in need.

"Volunteering is also very rewarding, especially seeing the number of people of all ages who come in to donate blood,” she said.

The Burnsides' commitment to staying active is just as impressive as their dedication to service.

Ellen shared that John still runs every morning, has completed the Boston Marathon twice, and at age 75 bicycled 2,700 miles from San Diego, California, to Florida.

BECOME A BLOOD DONOR AMBASSADOR

Are you interested in becoming a blood donor ambassador volunteer like the Burnsides? The Red Cross has opportunities available across Idaho, Montana and East Oregon.

Red Cross asks that these volunteers help at least one blood drive a month. A typical blood drive lasts four to six hours.

To learn more or sign up, visit redcross.org/volunteer. Training is provided.