With only a few taps on his phone, David Burke signed up to donate blood at Hulen Mall in Fort Worth, Texas, using the Red Cross Blood App. Burke, an American Red Cross volunteer, is a regular donor, having donated more than 10 gallons of blood in his lifetime.

Burke's mother introduced him to the importance of donating blood early on. His mother used to take him along when he was a child when she would donate blood. That experience left an impression on him. It was a simple act, but it spoke a thousand words and inspired him to become a lifelong blood donor.

"From an early age, my mother donated," Burke said. "As long as I can remember, she used to [donate blood]. She would donate when we were kids, and we would go with her. So, we knew at an early age, and she stressed the importance of donation and like that. And so, I've donated a lot of blood through [various organizations]. I'm over 10 gallons total, but just not all in one place."

Burke began his volunteer journey with the Red Cross in August 2023 after returning to his native Texas after retiring as a fire chief in the metro Seattle area. His career in fire spanned more than 37 years. As a Red Cross DFW Metro West Chapter volunteer, he oversees chapter vehicles, works with the information and planning team, manages logistics, mass care sheltering training, community partnerships, and installs smoke alarms in Fort Worth.

"It's been a real good relationship-building experience," Burke said. "And then, also from that, I just try and find other ways to give as far as time and effort."

The blood drive at Hulen Mall gave Burke a convenient way to continue his commitment to giving back to the community and to educate and inspire others on the importance of giving blood.

Hulen Mall hosts Red Cross blood drives once a month. To schedule your next blood donation appointment at the mall or anywhere else in North Texas, visit RedCrossBlood.org to find a blood drive near you.