Nurse's Blood Donations Encourage Students

Judy Matzke, when asked about blood donations, smiles and says “is there anything better than giving blood?” Judy was waiting to go through the process of donating her 104th unit of blood. This lady, who because of her dolphin jewelry, is known by the Red Cross Blood Services staff as the Dolphin Lady, is a member of the Sandhills Community College Nursing Facility. In that role, she encourages her students to become donors and has been known to accompany them to the donation site. One of Judy’s favorite sayings is: “What greater gift can you give someone; you  can save three lives with one pint of blood you donate.” Judy's message is extremely pertinent now that the American Red Cross is experienceing blood shortages this winter. We need more donors like Judy.

Judy is seen here with Red Cross Carolinas Blood Service region staff as she reached the 13th gallon mark with her donation on December 28.

Blood Drive is an Occasion to Celebrate

Blood Donor David Gordon and Volunteer Elinore McCaskill both had reason to celebrate at the December 28 blood drive at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital. David proudly received his 10 gallon pin, commemorating his 80th donation of a pint of blood to save the lives of others. He was congratulated by long time American Red Cross volunteer Elinore McCaskill, who was celebrating her 88th birthday. David is a familiar face at this blood drive held every 2 months, and Elinore and her daughter, fellow Red Cross volunteer Jane Rock, regularly serve refreshments at the canteen. Also pictured in this photo is faithful blood donor and Red Cross volunteer Ron Flock.

Volunteers Honor War Heroes

Volunteers Tama Carlin, Steve and Lynn Drinkwater joined Executive Director Buddy Spong at the annual World War II Memorial Dance November 12 at the Moore County Airport. They served coffee and donuts to the guests, just as Red Cross volunteers served coffee and donuts to the troops over 60 years ago.

Moore County Chapter Supports National Disaster Relief  

Hurricane Irene and the subsequent widespread flooding was another call to action for Red Cross volunteers and Moore County Emergency Services Director Jana Snowball. Time and again they have shown their commitment to helping our neighbors begin to recover from the destruction. Jana stayed in North Carolina to assist with relief efforts in coastal areas. Volunteers traveled to Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, as flooding wreaked havoc on those states. Donna Baker, Jimmy Brock, and Steadman Meares are pictured below. They joined almost 1400 other workers in Hazelton PA, where 69 shelters were opened due to flooding of the Susquehanna River.