Red Cross is in the business of providing relief to victims of disasters and helping people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.

On Saturday, June 27^th, the Omega Center in St. Louis City and the Jackie Joyner Kersee Center in East St. Louis, IL served as designated sites for neighbors and friends to help Red Cross fulfill its mission – respond to emergencies.

The community came out to give life-sustaining blood – usually in low supply during summer months, and donors visited our booth to learn about the programs, services, and volunteer opportunities at the Chapter. Not only did they learn that one pint of blood can save three lives, but the work of the Red Cross extends to on-site Community Disaster Education, volunteer opportunities for youth and adults, and Lifeline services for seniors. 

What is the annual Charles Drew Commemorative Blood Drive? The drive is a community-based initiative dedicated to increasing the number of African-American blood donors to help more patients. Rare blood donors are special because they are desperately needed to help others with rare blood types survive. African Americans with diseases like sickle cell anemia, cancer, and leukemia or kidney disease are less likely to have physical reactions to blood donated from other African Americans – as stated by the Charles Drew Community Blood Donation Campaign.

The event was an excellent opportunity for the community to gain a broader knowledge about the American Red Cross. Out of the 92 blood donors, 42 were first time donors and possibly this was their first experience with the Red Cross. First impressions are lasting and especially great if the impressions are positive. ….resulting in more volunteers, more donations, and more ambassadors in the community.

Yvonne Berry is the manager of volunteer resources for the St. Louis Area Chapter.