Blood Drive in Honor of Sitts a Success

On June 16 and 17, a blood drive was held in honor of Bernadine Sitts, 96, at First United Methodist Church. The American Red Cross chose to honor Sitts because she was a long-time American Red Cross volunteer at community blood drives, and a well-respected teacher in Garden City. During this two-day drive, 144 units of whole blood were collected – 20 percent over goal.

In 1997, Jackie Nichols (left) presented Sitts (right) with an award for her dedication and commitment to Red Cross Blood Services.

"We thought this was a great way to honor Bernadine for her service to the Red Cross, First United Methodist Church and to our community,” said Jackie Nichols, blood drive coordinator. “Bernadine faithfully volunteered her time for many years, providing refreshments to people after their donation at every Garden City drive, until her recent move to The Homestead Assisted Living Residence.

From 1948 to 1982, Sitts worked long hours teaching Latin and English at Garden City High School. During this time she also served as sponsor of many clubs including the Junior Red Cross. This club was held outside of school hours and according to Sitts, “We did anything that we felt needed to be done for the community. Students made items for patients and took them to the local hospital.”

After retiring from teaching, Sitts began a “second career” working as a volunteer at First United Methodist Church in Garden City. She helped with mailings and funeral dinners until recently.

In 1997, Sitts received the highest honor of her life when the Garden City Board of Education decided to name one of the new schools in the community the Bernadine Sitts Intermediate School. Each year on her birthday, Sitts arrives at her namesake school in various ways to celebrate with staff and students alike. She has taken a horse and carriage, a fire truck, a motorcycle and helicopter in past years. Who knows what this October will bring?

Sitts said she was “overwhelmed” at being asked to have a blood drive in her honor. “I really do appreciate it. I have always been glad to help where I could. I come from a very poor family, so I can appreciate the need the Red Cross serves in our community and throughout the country.”

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Crossshelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; provides nearly half of the nation’s blood supply; teaches lifesaving skills; and supports military members and their families. The American Red Cross is a charity, not a government agency and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission.

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