Pacific Northwest Blood Services Region

It has been more than 50 years since I first donated blood at a blood drive where I worked. I have seen firsthand how blood helps people in need as it saved my sister’s life when she had a surgery in her 20s. In 1974, I became interested in volunteering for the Red Cross after talking with a few of the volunteers at blood drives where I regularly gave blood. I signed up to volunteer at the local Red Cross and did everything from basic office work to helping out at blood drives. I have also served on the Red Cross Clark County Chapter board of directors for 12 years. I’ve always felt that the Red Cross is a worthwhile organization. I love being out and meeting all the people who come into the Red Cross. Volunteering is like a two-way street in the sense that I give a lot, but also get back a lot by doing this meaningful work. It’s amazing how volunteering adds to the quality of not only my life, but my family’s lives as well.