Celebrate National Volunteer Week by giving back to the Virginia American Red Cross

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- As National Volunteer Week wraps up, the Virginia American Red Cross is calling on the community to step forward and support their vital mission by becoming blood donors and dedicated volunteers.

For the Virginia American Red Cross, volunteers are the backbone of their operations.

Jonathan McNamara, Communications Director for the Virginia American Red Cross, emphasized that over 90% of their workforce – a remarkable 4,000 individuals across the state – are volunteers. These dedicated individuals perform a wide range of crucial tasks, from ensuring blood reaches local hospitals to responding to disasters like tornadoes and hurricanes.

"If there's a service provided by the Red Cross, it's done by your neighbors who give us some of their time, their energy, and their blood, to help make sure Richmond is a stronger, more resilient community," McNamara said.

Getting involved as a volunteer is easier than you might think. McNamara explained that the Red Cross works to customize volunteer positions to match your individual schedule, passions and talents. Whether you have a few hours a week or more to contribute, there's likely a way for you to make an impact.

Beyond volunteering, the spring season is a particularly critical time for blood donations. With the end of the school year approaching, regular blood drives can face disruptions. McNamara stressed that the blood collected now is what sustains the Red Cross's ability to serve the community throughout the summer months.

On average, 700 Virginians donate blood to the Red Cross every day and 8News spoke with Rita Hicks, a blood donor and the Campaign Development Manager with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Richmond.

"Everyone here is amazing. They're so kind, so patient, so helpful," Hicks said, highlighting the positive experience of donating at the regional headquarters.

Having witnessed firsthand the critical need for blood among cancer patients through her job, Hicks felt empowered.

"I thought, you know, I see patients every day that need blood. But I said, 'I can do this. I can give, I can help. This is something I can do to contribute," Hicks said.

As National Volunteer Week draws to a close, McNamara expressed profound gratitude for the unwavering support of the community.

"We always want to say thank you because we can't say it enough. Because, again, there is no Red Cross without you," McNamara said.

If you're interested in becoming a volunteer, visit the Red Cross's website.