When I think about the holidays, I think about precious time spent with friends and family, making new memories and cherishing the time we have together. This time of year can bring so many warm feelings of hope and togetherness, but for some, the holidays can be bittersweet if these are times spent in the hospital in surgery or undergoing treatments for cancer and other illnesses. Patients can’t take a holiday from the medical challenges they face and the care they need. That’s where you play such an important role as a volunteer blood drive coordinator by providing convenient options for people to donate blood year-round, ensuring blood is always available for patients and making more moments possible for them and their families. Your civic engagement is vital to people in your community and beyond.
2021 was a year of uncertainty but it was also a year of remarkable comebacks and truly wonderful acts of philanthropy. In 2022, I think we are all looking forward to more stability. Here at Vitalant, we are also looking forward to sustaining our mission on behalf of thousands of patients nationwide in partnership with you. You can continue supporting patients in need in the coming year in several ways:
- Schedule your 2022 blood drives as soon as possible
- Host one more blood drive than you did in 2021
- Host an additional blood drive during a critical time of year, such as the week prior to and immediately following major holidays
- Inspire new blood donors to donate at your drives
- Work with your Donor Recruitment Representative to make each drive a lifesaving success
My wish for you is a holiday season filled with joy and hope of a bright year ahead, and that you find that same joy and hope in the difference you make for patients and their families each time you host a blood drive with Vitalant. Because of you, life goes on.
With gratitude,
Mitzy P. Edgecomb
Vice President of Donor Recruitment
The status of COVID-19 around the country is also changing. Please be assured that we continue to follow COVID-19 safety precautions to keep donors, volunteers and staff safe. We recommend you check the COVID-19 FAQs page on our website for the most up-to-date safety information.