What is the key to a lasting and successful American Red Cross Blood Drive partnership? If you ask Linda Segars, a founding member of the Central United Methodist Church Blood Drive Committee, the key is focusing on community and personal connection. "We try to add a homemade touch, so people feel welcome and know we appreciate them coming," said Segars as she spoke about the fantastic volunteer coordinators and volunteers. They make each drive possible with their steadfast commitment to their community, the American Red Cross, and their church.

For nearly 20 years, the Central United Methodist Church has provided the people in Florence, South Carolina, with an engaging and community-centered blood drive that has excelled in creating lasting relationships with blood donors and blood drive volunteers alike.

"We started with a blood drive quarterly, then another staff member approached us and said we should have a drive every 56 days because we may be missing donors who wish to donate more frequently. So we've had blood drives every 56 days, that's six times a year, for about ten years now," recalled Segars.

When asked how these blood drives are made possible, Segars said, "I coordinate, but it's definitely a team effort!" With returning volunteers, primarily members of the Central United Methodist Church, the blood drive has flourished. Nearly 20 volunteers work two-hour shifts at each blood drive, registering blood donors and assisting with the refreshments table. In addition, ten volunteers reach out to more than a hundred donors via a personal phone call or text two weeks before a blood drive to remind them of their donation date and time. Each of these volunteers' combined efforts ensures donors walk away knowing they are appreciated.  

From personal phone calls and texts to homemade cookies for the refreshment table at each blood drive, and the faithful volunteer who makes it a point to chat with each donor; it's easy to see why the Central United Methodist Blood Drive is a success. Yet, it does not stop there!

Each July, they run a promotion called "Give a Pint, Get a Pint." Each donor receives a certificate for a pint of ice cream from the locally owned Cold Stone Creamery. While this is just one of the many community partnerships that allow them to have several promotions throughout the year, it is undoubtedly one of the most popular! From raffling off massages to giving each donor a certificate for a free car wash at the local Snappy Car Wash each January, they try to have a promotion every other drive, ensuring they are serving their community to the best of their abilities while collecting life-saving blood donations.

"When we first started, my goal was 50 pints each drive, and we've exceeded 70 pints some drives. I think, in May, we received 68 pints, so now my goal is 100 pints every drive! That's what I work towards; let's get a 100-pint drive; that would be awesome for the community!" said an elated Segars.

As their blood drives continue to grow, the one thing that remains clear when speaking with the founder is how dedicated the Central United Methodist Church Blood Drive Committee is to cultivating an atmosphere of warmth and gratitude for their community partners, Red Cross volunteers, and those who donate life-saving blood.

While gathering as many blood donations as possible is their primary focus, they also work to ensure those who volunteer and donate with them walk away with a sense of community. This personable approach sets them apart from the rest and makes them a successful blood drive.

When you become a blood drive sponsor, everybody wins. Patients are able to receive the lifesaving blood they urgently need. Your organization builds goodwill and improves team spirit by working together to help others. You show leadership in bringing volunteers and donors together for a good cause.