Will you consider volunteering with the Red Cross?

Rick and Ann Marsh, of Johnstown, said they never thought about volunteering with the American Red Cross – until someone asked them to.

Now, they’ve been Red Cross volunteers for nine years! They give their time volunteering as Blood Donor Ambassadors, helping create a positive donation experience at Red Cross blood drives.

The charitable couple goes above and beyond to bring smiles to blood donors’ faces by dressing up for holidays and handing out candy. Ann says her favorite costume to wear is Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

The Christmas season holds a special place in Rick and Ann's hearts. Their relationship began while Rick was in the Army, serving in Vietnam. A newspaper in Johnstown published a list of servicemen, and Ann and her friends picked out a few names and sent them Christmas cards. Ann and Rick continued writing each other letters and eventually married after he returned home from Vietnam.

“We’ve formed friendships with a lot of the donors,” Ann said. “There’s a donor who says we’re her adopted parents. Another donor always checks to make sure we’ll be here volunteering while he’s donating. That makes us feel good.”

Rick also takes time to get on the donation table to help save lives. He has donated blood and platelets about 300 times!