Addie Ross and Kathy Modesitt became friends while volunteering at a Red Cross blood drive several years ago. Since then, the pair have become close friends and a memorable team at blood drives in the Aiken, South Carolina area. The two are known for bringing happiness and joy to all those around them. 

    Both volunteers have not only dedicated a large part of their lives to serving others through the Red Cross, but they also have personal connections to the organization. Kathy's family home burned down on her brother's birthday many years ago.  

"The 3-room schoolhouse was right across from our home, so the entire school and I watched it burn. We six children were dispersed to various temporary homes," said Kathy. "One of the joys I experienced from this ordeal was the Red Cross coming to visit my sister and me with boxes of clothes. It was such a treat, as a 7-year-old, to look through the boxes and have a choice of what to wear. This experience prompted me to become a Red Cross volunteer."  

    Kathy has been a volunteer with the Red Cross ever since. While working at blood drives, Kathy has deployed five times to disasters. She says one of the most impactful memories in her life was her first deployment to major flooding in Atlanta in 2009. Kathy and her partner were assigned to drive the Aiken Emergency Response Vehicle to bring food to people impacted by the disaster who were trying to clean up their homes.   

"Their fatigue and concerns about the future were heart-wrenching to see and hear," said Kathy. "The simple act of giving them a single flower along with their food, (and perhaps a toy for a child,) was enough to bring a smile to their faces and lift their spirits at least temporarily. This type of community service makes me glad to be a Red Cross volunteer."  

    As for Addie Ross, she was advised to no longer donate blood due to a medical condition. She felt called to help others through the Red Cross, so she signed up to be a volunteer.  "I did safety talks at smoke detector blitzes when we collaborated with local fire departments," said Addie. "My most memorable moment was being in the home of an elderly person in Bamberg during a blitz and listening as she expressed her gratitude, not so much for the detector but just having visitors. Christmas was coming, and she had no family to look forward to."  

    Now, Addie is a Blood Drive Ambassador, frequently working alongside Kathy. Addie says the two always try to create a fun and positive environment while working at blood drives.

You can join Addie and Kathy in making a difference in your community. Learn about volunteer opportunities in your area here.