National Volunteer Month: Student volunteers get blood flowing to help patients

Throughout much of the COVID-19 pandemic, auditoriums and performance centers have been vacant, but a group of dedicated students put one auditorium to good use by coordinating a large three-day blood drive event on their college campus.

When Iowa State University in Ames, IA resumed in person classes, students Justin Watkins (junior), Megan Giesen (senior) and Gavin Sullivan (junior) wanted to do something to bring the campus community together to give back during the pandemic. They decided the perfect way to help was hosting a blood drive. All three students helped coordinate blood drives on campus before, and knew now, more than ever, a blood drive could be vital to support hospital patients and give fellow students an opportunity to do something to help.

Volunteering their time, Justin, Megan and Gavin spent weeks working with the Red Cross to create a fun event that also was in line with current COVID-19 safety protocols. Thankfully, Stephens Auditorium at Iowa State was large enough to space out the blood drive to accommodate social distancing and became the perfect venue for the three-day event, held last month.

This wasn’t just any blood drive. The students made it one to remember. All three put a lot of work and effort into soliciting sponsorships from local businesses and restaurants to raise funds for the space, snacks and advertising. “We worked hard to make it a fun environment,” said Gavin.

Over the course of the three days, students, staff and community members were greeted with fun music, good snacks and eager volunteers. Each person who came to give also received a special T-shirt with the words “All in this together.” The blood drive even had an extra credit station for students who took time out of their day to donate.

Justin, Megan and Gavin not only planned all the details to ensure a successful event, they also rolled up their own sleeves to donate. “It’s one of the easiest ways you can save three lives in twenty minutes,” said Justin.

The students’ hard work paid off as the drive resulted in 843 donations, surpassing the goal of 700 donations. “We were thrilled with the turnout,” said Megan, “and we hope that students who give will become lifelong blood donors.” Megan graduates this spring, but even after she leaves Iowa State, she says, “I will still be a blood donor.”

Volunteers like Justin, Megan and Gavin can make a world of difference by coordinating blood drives. The Red Cross salutes these three outstanding young volunteers, and the many volunteers who make blood drives happen every day. 

Those interested in volunteering with the Red Cross can learn more at redcross.org.

ONGOING NEED FOR DONORS AND BLOOD DRIVE HOSTS DURING THE PANDEMIC

The Red Cross has a constant and ongoing need for blood and platelet donations. With the ongoing pandemic, the Red Cross needs the help of blood and platelet donors and blood drive hosts to meet the needs of patient care. 

Unfortunately, the Red Cross continues to feel the ongoing effects. As the nation transitions to a new, hopeful phase of this devastating pandemic, blood donations remain essential to the health of our communities.

The Red Cross follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and volunteer donors are the only source of blood for those in need. Donors are urged to give now to ensure blood products are readily available for patients.  

Learn more about donating blood and schedule an appointment to give today by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or calling 800-RED-CROSS.