Beloved volunteer retires from Red Cross, Jo Smith has volunteered for 30 years

Beloved volunteer retires from Red Cross

Jo Smith has volunteered for 30 years

MISSOULA, Mont. (July 2016)—On July 8, the Missoula American Red Cross Blood Donation Center was the site of a special celebration honoring longtime Red Cross volunteer Joan “Jo” Smith. Smith was honored by Red Cross staff and blood donors as she worked her last shift after 30 years of volunteering.

“I would keep coming in to volunteer if I could,” said Smith. “I have loved every minute of my time with the Red Cross.” Smith says she’s going to miss everyone but plans to visit.

Smith worked the registration desk where she was often seen meeting and greeting donors. Many area blood donors scheduled their appointments when she was volunteering so they could visit with her.

“Jo has been an inspiration to me,” said Rhonda Sage, Red Cross volunteer coordinator.  “When I feel like I’m getting too old and tired to keep up with the demands of my job I think of Jo and how upbeat she is no matter how hard the job in front of her may seem. She is a very strong and happy woman. I consider myself blessed to have had her as a Red Cross volunteer.”

Staff presented Smith with gifts including a Red Cross T-shirt, bag, volunteer pin and a special picnic basket.

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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