At an age when most people are understandably relying on others, Barbara Lawrence is still giving rides, assisting family and volunteering. For more than two decades, that commitment to helping others has also brought her to Red Cross blood drives in Kalispell.

The 94-year-old has served as a Red Cross blood donor ambassador since 2005, greeting donors with a smile, helping them get checked in and creating a welcoming environment.

“She's one of the kindest people I've ever experienced in my life,” said Sandy Carlson, who helps organize Red Cross blood drives in northwest Montana and has worked with Barbara for more than 20 years. “She's got a heart of gold.”

Barbara's Red Cross journey began following Hurricane Katrina. As people lined up to donate and families searched for information about loved ones affected by the storm, she volunteered at the local Red Cross office, answering phones and helping process donations.

As the immediate Katrina response wound down, Sandy found herself short-handed at a blood drive and asked Barbara if she could help check in donors.

That one shift turned into more than two decades of service, with Barbara volunteering four or five times a month.

For Barbara, the greatest reward is the people she meets along the way.

“Some of my old friends I've had for years come and give blood,” she said. “And I've made newer friends through the Red Cross. I just enjoy visiting with the people.”

That connection goes both ways.

“Oh my gosh, people love her,” Sandy said. “People ask about her. She knows as many people there as I do.”

Sandy said Barbara's warmth, patience and sense of humor help put donors at ease, whether she's greeting longtime donors or helping someone navigate the electronic check-in process for the first time.

“She's happy to be there, and she is always so kind,” Sandy said. “I have never, ever seen her cranky. At all.”

Over the years, the two have developed a close friendship that extends far beyond the blood drive.

“She's like my second mom,” Sandy said.

Barbara remains active in her church, helps friends get to doctor's appointments, drives fellow church members to services and stays closely involved with her family. She recently spent two weeks helping care for her daughter after hip surgery and still takes pride in being able to lend a hand wherever she's needed.

“I just feel so fortunate that I can still do these things,” she said.

She recently celebrated her 94th birthday with a church party, a gathering with her birthday club and a family outing that included miniature golf, dinner and birthday cake.

She credits good genes, a supportive family and a grateful outlook for helping her remain active. Her grandmother lived to 101, her father to 97 and her mother to 91.

“The doctor just tells me to keep doing what I'm doing,” she said with a laugh.

Volunteering also gives Barbara something she deeply values: connection.

“I just enjoy helping others,” she said. “It makes me feel good. And I've made lots of friends that way, too.”

Barbara has no plans to step away from volunteering anytime soon.

“I will do it as long as I can,” she said.

She also has a message for others.

“Get out there and volunteer,” she said. “Don't be lazy. Stay active. I've never been bored. Not ever. You've got to keep busy.”

BECOME A BLOOD DONOR AMBASSADOR

Are you interested in becoming a blood donor ambassador volunteer like Barbara? The Red Cross has opportunities available across Montana and Idaho.

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.