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Friday, April 29, 2022

Volunteer Appreciation Month: Geno Rosario

You could call the Western Kentucky Red Cross chapter “small but mighty.” Geno Rosario sees it as a positive, saying “that’s the benefit of working with a smaller chapter. You learn to do a little bit of everything that’s needed.” Geno and his wife have been Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteers for years, doing damage assessment in Iowa, Oregon, and Kentucky.

Geno, far left, working at an information and recruiting booth
with Western Kentucky volunteers

Geno began volunteering in 1998, teaching classes in CPR/First Aid and Preparedness, Health, and Safety Services (PHSS). Geno was a firefighter for 21 years and saw the initial stages of disasters. “As a firefighter, you get accustomed to seeing tragedy but it’s momentarily. You go in, put the fire out, and once you’re done you go to the station and wait for the next call. You don’t think of the aftermath.” In 2009, Geno volunteered with his first disaster after an ice storm hit Kentucky. He assisted with the shelter in Western Kentucky and decided to continue helping in disaster services.

“With Red Cross, I learn more about the other side. Dealing with people and the consequences. How they feel,” explained Geno. Geno began taking more courses and is now an Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) driver and trainer. He helps with feeding, canteening, and distribution of medical supplies. Geno has deployed as a health services volunteer and supervisor for shelters. “I’m the first contact person for the ERV. I service the vehicles here. I do what’s needed for our chapter,” said Geno.

Geno is a part of the Latino Engagement team and provides a critical bond with those who speak Spanish. “You learn a lot working with different populations. Compassion. Confidentiality. It can be a challenge but if you like what you’re doing, it’s not really work,” said Geno.

Even on his off days, Geno is a key member of the Western Kentucky chapter. He has friends in the ambulance service who call his personal cell when a disaster hits. “They will call me and let me know if a fire or something big hits. They let me know if they need help. Getting water, food, providing services,” said Geno. As if his resume isn’t impressive enough, Geno is also a Blood Donor Ambassador for blood drives.

Geno’s love for volunteering coincides with the people he meets. “I get to make long term friendships with the other volunteers. You have the same sense of community and want to help,” reflected Geno. This Volunteer Appreciation Month, we want to say THANK YOU, Geno! Your work helps bring people together. Find out how to become a disaster volunteer by visiting RedCross.org

Thursday, April 28, 2022

Volunteer Appreciation Month: Johnny Bell and St. Paul @ Shively

Johnny Bell, blood program leader
St. Paul Baptist Church at Shively Heights proudly has their slogan painted on the lobby wall. “Our slogan is caring and committed. One of the ways we can do that is hosting [a blood drive] here in the heart of Shively,” said Johnny Bell. Johnny is a blood program leader for the American Red Cross Kentucky Region. A retired military veteran, Johnny donates blood every 56 days at the downtown Louisville location. “One thing that motives me is that I have A- blood, and the majority of the time my blood goes to cancer patients or burn victims,” said Johnny.

Known around the community as St. Paul @ Shively, the church started hosting blood drives in June of 2021. After COVID-19 started, the church created a prayer call. Church members could call a 1-800 number for prayer requests. On one of these calls, Rosalind Thomas asked for prayers for her granddaughter, Niya, who was having a sickle cell crisis. After the church prayed for Rosalind’s family, the Pastor asked if the church could host a sickle cell blood drive.

Niya Thomas is a 20-year-old independent, bubbly, and upbeat young woman. “When she was growing up, you would never know she was sick. She liked to have fun and play with her friends,” said Rosalind. Niya is the only girl of 7 boys and graduated from Western High School in Louisville. She now lives in Baltimore with her aunt and works at GIANT foods.

“She just wants to manage her illness her way. She doesn’t want to use [her illness] as a crutch. She goes to Paul Mitchell hair school and her goal is to be a beautician,” said Rosalind. Niya has managed her sickle cell since she was a child. Rosalind described her pain and hospital stays as a “crisis.” “It’s very painful. A lot of the time [Niya] can’t even walk. It’s debilitating. She has pain in her elbows, shoulders, and limbs.”

Niya, center, with grandparents
 Rosalind and Mike
St. Paul @ Shively hosted their first blood drive in honor of Niya and have committed to hosting on a regular rotation. “Niya was so appreciative when they did the blood drive. She sent her thanks,” said Rosalind. One of the priorities for the American Red Cross Kentucky Region is to increase the number of African American or Black donors. Hosting a sickle cell blood drive is a great way to raise awareness.

“When you get a sickle cell transfusion, it’s better to get it from the ethnicity that you are,” said Johnny. When asked about the hesitation from the Black community to give blood due to history with the medical field, Rosalind expressed a sense of urgency. “I personally wish that Black people would give more. There is a great need,” said Rosalind. Historical tragedies like the Tuskegee experiment have kept African Americans or Black individuals from trusting the medical field.

Mike Thomas is Niya’s grandfather. He works at the airport and helps transport blood products on planes every day. “People would be surprised to see the full magnitude of what giving blood does,” said Mike. “I see blood getting shipped to different parts of the country daily. The Red Cross ships a lot of blood.” The Thomas family is grateful for St. Paul @ Shively’s commitment to hosting blood drives and they look forward to celebrating Niya’s 21st birthday in April.

Thank you to Johnny, Rosalind and Mike, and St. Paul @ Shively church. Together, we are helping sickle cell warriors. You can help by scheduling your appointment to donate blood! Head to Redcrossblood.org.

Tuesday, April 26, 2022

Volunteer Appreciation Month: Tiffany Dollinger

Tiffany Dollinger’s words to live by for disaster operations: “No expectations. The only thing you need to take into it is yourself and patience.” Volunteering for the Western Kentucky Red Cross chapter for a year and a half, Tiffany wasted no time jumping in. She has been a Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteer, shelter manager, and is working towards being qualified for driving an Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV). Tiffany has been deployed on 4 operations within the past 13 months.

Tiffany, left, and her husband
Due to her health, Tiffany is unable to work, so the Red Cross means the world to her. “It’s everything. The Red Cross is all I do. Everybody has got to have something to do,” explained Tiffany. Tiffany was in the army for 10 years and her husband did 20 years. She has been to 17 countries and drove to 45 states. After her first deployment, Tiffany’s husband was inspired. He decided to become a DAT responder with her. The couple just celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary.

Tiffany loves to volunteer because of the sense of purpose it provides her with. “I hate when I watch a tragedy on the news. I want to help, but I feel powerless…On deployment, you see the best of humanity and the worst of times. Everyone is there because they want to be there. They all have the same drive and compassion,” said Tiffany. Tiffany explained she has Red Cross friends who gave up their Christmas to assist with the Kentucky tornadoes this past December. She was amazed by their generosity, saying, “You wouldn’t find that anywhere else.”

Tiffany has 2 sons and recently became an empty nester. Her 3 Dotson dogs provide her with plenty of love and entertainment while she’s at home. Tiffany and her husband are Nashville Predators season ticket holders, and they enjoy attending games together. “My husband is my biggest supporter. While I’m gone on a disaster operation for 2 weeks, I don’t have to worry about anything at home,” explained Tiffany.

We are so thankful for you, Tiffany! We appreciate your drive and passion to help others. You can become a disaster volunteer today! Check out our open volunteer positions at RedCross.org.

Friday, April 22, 2022

Feature Friday: Ciara West

“I know without a shadow of a doubt that I’m supposed to work for the [American] Red Cross.”

This belief is what drove Ciara West on an 8-year Red Cross journey that took her across the country and through multiple volunteer positions.

While her family is from the West Coast, Ciara has lived in Bowling Green, KY for the last 20 years. In her spare time, she enjoys visiting flea markets and breathing new life into the treasures she finds as art or by refurbishing them.

Her introduction to the Red Cross started with the Joplin, Missouri tornado in 2011.

“The severity of it pulled at my heart strings,” said Ciara. She and her sister couldn’t stop themselves from doing something. They drove to Joplin to just do laundry, but when they got there Ciara looked around and saw Red Cross volunteers helping in the aftermath.

When Ciara got home, she reached out to her local Red Cross chapter and signed up to deploy as a disaster volunteer to Joplin.

“I remember looking around at the shock and sadness,” said Ciara, “I watched people’s emotions and realized that the Red Cross does so much. Emotionally, physically, financially. We get to touch all of that. It is the most satisfying, close to heart feeling.”

Over the years, Ciara would go on to respond to disasters big and small as a disaster services volunteer. She responded to home fires in her community and deployed to disasters in other states, including deploying for 8 weeks to assist after Hurricane Isaac, and deploying to West Virginia after a chemical spill. “It’s so humbling. Every day I go home and I’m grateful. Every day I work with the Red Cross, it keeps me a humble, passionate human. It keeps me grounded that my life, belongings, I have it [now], but tomorrow it could be gone. But I could turn to Red Cross and they would help.

Ciara spent time as in an Americorps with the Red Cross, and then went on to take classes with FEMA. She spent time away from the Red Cross earning her Master’s Degree for Organizational leadership at Western Kentucky University. She went into manufacturing as a training coordinator and worked in workforce development for a time, but it didn’t spark her passion the way her Red Cross work had.

“My kids said ‘I have never been more happy than when you were doing your Red Cross thing’,” said Ciara. “I came back to the chapter and said “I’m willing to give you my life. I dove into it.”

One of the most eye-opening experiences for Ciara came in 2021 when she deployed to help respond to the 2021 December tornados that touched down in parts of Kentucky, including Bowling Green.

“When I got to [the tornado] disaster response, I was crying because of the amount of damage, the people it affected, the homes I lived in personally that were wiped off the map. This was my home town. It was almost too much to absorb. When it’s your home town, it was so personal and so shocking.”

Ciara was deployed for the entire tornado response. On the first night, she helped open a shelter in Bowling Green. As the response progressed and the needs of the community changed, she transitioned from sheltering and helping with feeding to disaster assessment and assisting with casework for impacted families. Her family and friends supported her through the deployment.

“I didn’t question it, I just found a way,” said Ciara. “Being on a disaster response from day one to the last day, it was the most eye opening of my life. It teaches you how it affects people from start to finish.”

One of the things that stood out to her the most about this deployment were the stories of resilience she encountered from her community.

“The people I got to meet that would sit across the desk and thank me when they have nothing to go home to—I was in awe of these people. I started asking people how they were so resilient.”

Ciara described one gentlemen who had lost his home and was trapped in the debris. “He had no home to go back to, but his neighbors dug him out and got his dog, and now he doesn’t know how he could ever move away from that neighborhood or those neighbors!

“I worked with another family in Warren County who lost their home to the tornado, a family of seven. We got them into a new home, and then their apartment complex burned down!” Ciara went on to share that the Red Cross was able to find the family another safe place to stay after the fire.

“It’s made me so much closer to all of the people in this town,” said Ciara. “Adversity and disaster makes a community rally. It gives me all the faith in humanity that one needs.”

When asked what keeps drawing her to working with the Red Cross, Ciara explained it was the power of helping people and the ability to use the skills she has learned to make a difference during some of the worst moments in people’s lives.

“Going from that frantic, emotionally charged moment […] when others are at their breaking point—it’s when I’m most calm. I use the preparation and assistance the Red Cross has provided, the training the Red Cross has provided to help and assist in the moment. To wrap the people going through disaster in my arms and help them in the moment.”

We are excited to share that, as of this blog post, Ciara has become the disaster program specialist for the Red Cross South Central Kentucky Chapter! Ciara—we are grateful to have dedicated, caring Red Crossers like you helping fulfill the Red Cross mission and providing comfort and hope to people in times of crisis. Thank you for being a volunteer and congratulations on your new role!

Learn more about volunteering with the Red Cross by visiting redcross.org/volunteer.

Thursday, April 21, 2022

Volunteer Appreciation Week: Doyle Rambo

Open your ears. Be sympathetic, positive, and listen. This motto is one Doyle Rambo stands by graciously. Volunteering for the American Red Cross Bluegrass Area Chapter, Doyle is committed to giving back to his community. Doyle has been a Free Mason and Kosair Shriner for 50 years, he is the originator and curator of his local Shriner Museum, and volunteers at the local VA hospital in Lexington, KY. Doyle is also a musician, where he plays tuba in the “Young At Heart Big Band” and “My Dixieland South Band.” These bands play at nursing homes, festivals, and patriotic events. “Our project is to refurbish and supply instruments to school kids who are aspirant musicians,” explained Doyle.

Born and raised in Franklin County, KY, Doyle left home at the age of 19 to pursue his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Morehead State College. He served 4 years in the United States Marine Corps and discharged with the rank of Sergeant as an expert rifleman and an administrative clerk. Doyle met his wife in Washington, DC, and they have been happily married for 58 years. “I have two daughters, a paralegal and paramedic…4 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. All healthy and prosperous,” said Doyle.

In 2006 during Hurricane Katrina, Doyle answered the call for help and became a Red Cross volunteer. His primary role at the Red Cross is an Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) maintainer and driver. Doyle has been an active volunteer for 16 years and has served on 19 national deployments. Making time to document his experiences, Doyle wrote a book on his journey during Hurricanes Gustav and Ike on the Texas Gulf Coast entitled “Ready, Set, Roll.”

During his time volunteering, Doyle has received many awards for his service. He received the “Ziggie Award” in 2007, the “Grateful Appreciation Award” in 2009, the “CEO Award” in 2009, and back-to-back “Outstanding Chapter Volunteer Award” in 2012 and 2013. Reflecting on his time volunteering, Doyle is thankful for his experiences, saying, “I have been blessed with good health, a reasonable financial means, and the ability to organize and lead.”

Helping others is second nature for Doyle, as he is also an active member of the Citizens Police Academy and an Elder and Worship leader at his church. “As a volunteer, it gives me the opportunity to help aid and assist those who have been affected by misfortune,” said Doyle. 

We have so many reasons to be thankful for you, Doyle! We appreciate your service and dedication to the American Red Cross mission. You can sign up to be an ERV driver and volunteer! Head to Redcross.org to learn more about our open volunteer opportunities. #VolunteerAppreciationMonth

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Volunteer Appreciation Week: Glynis Bond

For Glynis Bond, volunteering is about putting a smile on someone’s face. “I enjoy working at Fort Knox. I see the smile on their faces when they know there is an avenue that can provide a substance when they are short,” said Glynis.

Glynis is retired from the army and volunteers at the food pantry and as a blood donor ambassador at Fort Knox. Originally from Chicago, IL, Glynis moved to Kentucky in 1998 as part of a military move. She has called Kentucky home ever since.

This past year, Glynis helped hand out food to families during the Thanksgiving holiday. “[The food pantry] is helping someone stay healthy and provide food. They have food at the table and the Red Cross has these avenues at no charge. It’s all free of charge because someone took the time to donate it,” said Glynis.

At blood drives, Glynis sees the positive effect it has on donors. “The power red donors (an automated process where the donor gives a concentrated amount of red blood cells) are fired up and ready. They are positive, want to do their donation, then set up their next appointment.” She enjoys seeing the donors and says they are “helping people live.”

Glynis was a Sergeant First Class Human Resource Supervisor in the army. She knew she wanted to volunteer with the Red Cross because of the ongoing need. Glynis is a member of Kappa Epsilon Psi Military Sorority, Inc.

Glynis loves to travel and celebrated her wedding anniversary in Hawaii. Her favorite place to visit so far has been Aruba. She has been married for 35 years and is excited to resume traveling once COVID-19 has subsided.

Thank you, Glynis, for your service to our nation and the Red Cross Kentucky Region! You are making a difference and helping community members who need it. Learn about our local volunteer opportunities by visiting RedCross.org #VolunteerAppreciationMonth

Tuesday, April 19, 2022

Volunteer Appreciation Week: Tanya Garitty

There’s something to be said about a volunteer who has made an impact in 4 different states. Tanya Garitty makes sure people know she’s there to provide comfort. Tanya has been a part of 4 different regions for the American Red Cross: Louisiana, Florida, Mississippi, and Kentucky.

A few minutes before midnight on July 4th, 1990, Tanya’s neighbor in New Orleans set their house on fire for insurance fraud. The fire spread to Tanya’s and 3 other homes. Tanya had just given birth to her third child and was on her way home. Tanya’s best friend was at her home watching her 2-year-old and 1-year-old. Her friend ran through the flames with the young kids to save them. “As she reached the back door, the room my son was sleeping in was engulfed in flames. Just a few more seconds and all three of them would have died,” said Tanya.

Tanya was amazed by how the Red Cross helped her. “I couldn’t produce milk for my baby because I was in shock. The Red Cross got me a bottle sterilizer… They got my kids toys. I had nothing, and they kept in touch with me.” When Tanya found a new home, the Red Cross got her a U-Haul to help with the move. After that, she was all in. She knew she wanted to volunteer with us.

Tanya is now a jack of all trades. She is a mass care shelter manager for disaster services, a CPR/First Aid trainer, a duty officer, and the Blood Donor Ambassador Lead for Shelby County, KY. Even though she is busy, she loves connecting with people. It’s her calling. “It’s about spending time with somebody who just needs the arm around them. You want to cry? We’re here. People need to be told they are beautiful and loved… Not just when a disaster is going on,” said Tanya. She has been wrapping her arms around folks for 31 years, and she’s nowhere near done.

When reflecting on a favorite memory, Tanya remembered a man she helped during Hurricane Michael. The man was on his way to the shelter. He lost his house and had his dog with him. On the way to the shelter, he was T-boned by another car. His dog ran off and the man was taken to the hospital. “He gets out of the hospital and only has his hospital gown and slippers. He comes to the shelter, and I say ‘let me get you some clothes’ and he said ‘I don’t care about clothes. I just want my dog,” reflected Tanya.

Tanya knew in her heart she had to find the dog. The man was barely eating. “I had a day off from volunteering because it was my birthday. I didn’t take off. I used my personal phone to call shelters 100s of miles away,” said Tanya. "I got a call from a police officer, and she walks in the shelter with the dog. The man went to his knees on the floor and started crying uncontrollably. “He said ‘can I keep my dog here at the shelter?’ I said ‘you cannot, but the Humane Society has a shelter for him. Go spend as much time as you want with him outside.' He would sit with the dog in the rain and sun for hours. He just wanted his dog,” commented Tanya.

That story is one of many ways that Tanya has gone above and beyond in her volunteer work. She explained when you go through a disaster, the pain is unbearable. It probably won’t ease within 1 day or even a week. But 1 year later, it will hurt a little less. “I always say, you can use this as your story. You can help other people. Volunteer with us and be that arm around their shoulder,” said Tanya.

Tanya is a biomedical specialist and went to medical school. She loves to bowl and play card and board games. She is very passionate about her church and ministry. Tanya has 4 kids and 6 grandchildren. “I take pride when I see an Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) going by in a disaster zone. It’s important. Knowing you can provide some type of comfort,” said Tanya.

We are inspired by your perseverance, Tanya! Kentucky is grateful to have you as a leader and volunteer. We know you will continue to be that smiling face to those in need. You can be a disaster volunteer, too! Visit redcross.org to check out our open opportunities. #VolunteerAppreciationMonth

Monday, April 18, 2022

Volunteer Appreciation Week: Carol and Randy Griggs

 “People need to step back from the busyness of life. The busyness is not essential, and they get caught up.” Carol Griggs explained why it is important for people to volunteer. “This is a way to help someone who needs blood. We speak to families who have needed blood and they truly appreciate it.”

Carol and Randy Griggs are a husband-and-wife blood donor ambassador team for the American Red Cross Kentucky Region. Starting in 2019, they continued their volunteer efforts through the COVID-19 pandemic. “It’s a benefit to us because we are out conversing with people and enjoying meeting with them,” said Randy.

Carol and Randy will be married for 54 years this October. The Red Cross Kentucky Region has given them a place to volunteer and give back. “We enjoy the [Red Cross] workers. They are friendly and so appreciative,” said Carol.

In their free time, Carol and Randy enjoy going to church at Southeast Christian. Randy explained that the couple is living in their dream house and loves their family. They have a son and daughter and 5 grandsons.

When asked about why she enjoys volunteering, Carol said “The end result is that blood is going to someone who desperately needs it… This is one way we can repay.”

Thank you to Carol and Randy for your time and effort as blood donor ambassadors! This #VolunteerAppreciationMonth, we will be highlighting some of our amazing volunteers. To find more information about volunteering, visit RedCross.org

Thursday, April 14, 2022

Volunteer Appreciation Month: Lukas SaintClair

Lukas SaintClair has lived many lives. His career began in the United States Air Force as an Intelligence Analyst in 1981. While in Germany, Lukas received communication from the Red Cross about a sick family member. “This was back in the 80’s when there were no cell phones. You used radios and MARS networks to communicate,” said Lukas. After receiving the message, Lukas thought to himself that one day, he would help people and join the Red Cross.

Born in Lexington, Kentucky, Lukas has traveled the world. He has painted street art in Paris and Amsterdam, lived in Berlin as an artist, played in a band, and was a visual performance educator. While in Germany with the Air Force, he assisted at Red Cross blood drives. “Life is like riding in a taxicab. Sit back and enjoy the ride. Let life lead you and opportunities will make themselves available,” said Lukas.

When Lukas’ father became ill, he decided to move back to Kentucky to be with him in his final days. While at home, Lukas decided to get involved with the Red Cross Eastern Kentucky Chapter. Lukas became a disaster mental health volunteer (DMH) as a clinical counselor. Once he retired from counseling, he switched over to be a disaster action team volunteer (DAT).

“We show up behind the fire department during disasters. Families and individuals who are impacted don’t have to worry about what they are going to do, what they will wear, or where to go. We give them relief to take care of immediate needs for the next few days,” said Lukas. It’s important for DAT volunteers to respond quickly and be on site within a matter of hours. Due to this, Lukas built his own response vehicle and kept it packed with blankets, care kits, water, and snacks. “We have no idea how fragile this planet is. Things can change in a heartbeat. I love being a DAT responder. Best job I’ve never been paid to do,” said Lukas.

Lukas considers himself a full time Red Cross volunteer. He is always up for any DAT job and considers himself a part of the “A-team.” Lukas has a robust educational background, with Bachelor of Arts and Master of Education degrees in counseling and human development. He is currently working on a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management and a Doctor of Philosophy in Christian Apologetics. Lukas sees the Red Cross as one big family. “If somebody comes up with a Red Cross on their shoulder, they are immediately my family,” said Lukas.

The Kentucky Region is grateful to have committed and caring volunteers like you, Lukas! This #VolunteerAppreciationMonth, we are recognizing some of our dedicated volunteers. You can become a Red Cross volunteer by going to redcross.org.

Thursday, April 7, 2022

Volunteer Appreciation Month: Jeff Backus

Jeff Backus is a passionate Tennessee Volunteers sports fan who has been married to his wife for 9 years. He loves gardening and singing in his church choir at St. Agnes. Jeff is a volunteer for the American Red Cross Kentucky Region as a Blood Donor Ambassador. He began his volunteering in the spring of 2020.

Originally from east Tennessee, Jeff has been in Louisville for 12 years. Unfortunately, Jeff knows firsthand about the need for blood because he is a two-time cardiac arrest survivor. “I was walking near Cherokee Park on both cardiac arrests. Both times, bystanders came and gave me CPR,” explained Jeff. “I am someone who needed blood. I had to have a double bypass surgery after the first cardiac arrest… I received about 4 units of blood.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jeff was looking for volunteer work. However, there weren’t many organizations needing volunteers due to the shutdowns. Thankfully, Jeff reached out to the American Red Cross Kentucky Region about volunteer opportunities. He now attends 3-4 blood drives per week and runs the registration table. “The best thing is meeting people. Getting to know the [Red Cross] staff. I have a great relationship with just about all of them,” said Jeff.

Before his cardiac arrests, Jeff was a regular blood donor. He remembers giving his first donation in 1978. After moving to Louisville, he gave platelets on a regular basis. “Giving platelets takes longer but I loved doing it. In the fall or winter, I’d plan my donation on days where there were football or basketball games. I’d sit there and watch them during my donation,” said Jeff.

While sharing his story, Jeff was preparing for his weekend to be recognized as a cardiac arrest survivor. He was taking his wife to the event. Jeff and his wife will be celebrating 10 years of marriage in June, and they plan on taking a trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, in the Smokies. “We spent our honeymoon there, so we are going back! I’m pretty sure we are staying in the same place as well,” explained Jeff. Dollywood is one of Jeff’s favorite places and said it’s everything it’s cracked up to be!

Jeff commented on the importance of having a healthy blood supply, saying “I just can’t imagine in an emergency. A wreck or accident. You show up and they could be like: ‘there’s nothing we can do. We don’t have your blood type.” Jeff went on to say that it’s not just about blood, it’s the 3 components that are important too. A single donation can be separated into platelets, plasma, and red blood cells for patients in need.

This month, we are celebrating and recognizing our amazing volunteers! Thank you, Jeff, for being a volunteer. Your story is inspiring, and you help so many people through your work. You can find out how to become a Red Cross volunteer by going to RedCross.org #VolunteerAppreciationMonth