Nina Markow works the check-in desk at a Las Vegas blood drive.
Nina Markow remembers exactly what first inspired her to volunteer for the Red Cross: she witnessed first-hand how the organization’s vital blood supply helped members of her family. Nina says she was “astounded at how the Red Cross came through for them.” That was seven years ago. Since then, she has served in Idaho, and after moving to Las Vegas, as blood donor screener ambassador, volunteer scheduling specialist, and she assists the recruiting team.
Even as Nina has given so much to the communities where she lives, she continues to be inspired by the generosity she observes in others. “COVID-19 safety procedures have meant additional precautions for blood donation -- taking temperatures, wearing masks, heavy use of disinfectants and never-ending use of hand sanitizers,” she explains. “But our amazing donors still come out in droves -- cooperative, patient and never complaining.”
Nina specifically recalls her recent experience working at the Las Vegas Speedway Red Cross Blood Drive where she took temperatures during check in, and donors had to stay in their cars. “No one complained while they patiently waited for their turn to donate,” she enthuses.
But Nina doesn’t let the new normal of COVID-19 precautions make her impatient, either. “I keep helping out at blood drives, and volunteering from home during the lockdown has also given me extra time to train for different jobs through the online courses the Red Cross offers.”
No doubt the community has benefited greatly from Nina’s work with the Red Cross, but she would say she is the one who has benefited most. “Every volunteer has a story about why they were inspired to join the Red Cross and continue to serve through any challenge,” she says, “but I think we all would agree our reason includes the amazing relationships you build.”
She cites the working environment, the shared experience of the assignments, the unique personalities – as all making the people she works with like family members. “And most of all, I appreciate our blood donors. They really inspire me.”
