By Megi Kola, American Red Cross Michigan Region Communications Volunteer

The American Red Cross celebrated the Holland Elks Lodge 1315 for collecting its 1,000th blood unit donation recently, a remarkable achievement that highlights the Elks’ commitment to helping the Red Cross meet the needs of hospitals and patients.

Since holding its first blood drive in 2015, the Elks has rallied community members to roll up a sleeve time and again for a common cause. The organization started with three drives a year, and now runs six a year. Organizers like Larry Brown, a Holland resident and Elks member, have hosted (how many) blood drives over (how many) years in partnership with the Red Cross to reach the 1,000th milestone.

“We are grateful to the Holland Elks for their partnership with the Red Cross and their steadfast commitment to helping us meet the needs of hospitals and patients,” said Tony Gerheiser, executive director of the Red Cross West Chapter. 

“To all the donors who give at the Elks blood drives, thank you. Your donations help save lives.”

Brown said the success of their blood drives have inspired other Elks chapters across Michigan and nationally to plan drives with the Red Cross.

“It’s really good for the soul,” Brown said of giving blood. He himself is an avid blood donor.

“You can help people without any training, and you can actually help save lives,” he said.

Brown said the Elks primary goal is to have a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need. The Elks mission is serving “people and communities through benevolent programs, demonstrating that Elks Care and Elks Share.” The blood drives, he said, have fostered a sense of unity and shared purposed in their community.“

This experience has allowed us to have a better relationship with the community,” Brown said. “It’s very fun to be there and be a part of it.”

Brown said many donors who have downloaded the Red Cross Blood Donor App are more engaged in the donation process. They especially like the blood journey tracker.

“I love that the Red Cross tells me where my blood is going,” he said.For information about how to sponsor a blood drive, visit redcrossblood.org.