When the COVID-19 pandemic struck Pennsylvania and schools, government offices and non-essential businesses closed, nearly every blood drive was cancelled.  While blood collection was deemed an essential service for public health, the American Red Cross struggled to find places willing to open their doors to host blood drives.

Media Rugby Football Club (Media RFC) was among the first of several organizations to step up. The club was already on the books to hold its semi-annual blood drive in March 2020 at Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post. No. 3460, which opened its doors since facilities at the Media Borough building were closed.

“Because the Red Cross was struggling to book drives, they asked Media Rugby if we would be willing to host additional drives, every other month,” said Larry Elias, Media RFC trustee. “After discussions between the post and club leadership, we notified the Red Cross of our desire to host once-a-month drives as long as the need exists.”

After things started opening back up, the organizations continued to hold monthly drives, and they’re still going strong today! You can give blood on the last Wednesday of every month with Media RFC at the VFW.

“Due to the strong cooperation of between VFW Post 3460 and Media Rugby and the outstanding support of the tight-knit Delaware County community, the monthly drives continued to be a success,” said Elias. “The decision was made to continue the monthly drives, making a reliable schedule.”

Last month, Red Cross Donor Services recognized the Media RFC and VFW Post No. 3460 for their commitment to blood collection in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Red Cross account manager Lisa Cullison presented certificates to leaders from both organizations during their monthly blood drive on Nov. 27th.

“We’re grateful to the Media Rugby Football Club, VFW Post No. 3460 and organizations like them across Southeastern Pennsylvania that stepped up during the pandemic – and continue to step up – to host blood drives and help ensure patients have access to lifesaving blood,” said Annette Tucci-Jenkins, Red Cross Donor Services district manager. “There is no substitute for blood. Patients rely on generously donated blood every day for a variety of reasons, including trauma, cancer, surgery, sickle cell disease and more.”

Since the Red Cross began keeping electronic records in 1998, the Media RFC hosted 68 blood drives and helped collect 2,261 units of blood, helping thousands of patients.

“Both the VFW and Media Rugby Club are thankful to the Red Cross and our community for making these monthly events successful,” said Elias.