American Red Cross | Central Ohio Blood Services Region




		Media Center Local Red Cross salutes dedicated volunteers National Volunteer Week observed April 19-24 April 17, 2009 National Volunteer Week is designated to recognize all volunteers and celebrate the spirit of volunteerism. At the American Red Cross, we are especially grateful for the hundreds of thousands of volunteers who contribute their time, blood and financial support. Many of us are ourselves volunteers. We know first-hand the selfless nature of people who give with no expectation of being paid for their time. However, volunteers will tell you that they are well-paid. The reward for their work is not money, but is, instead, the satisfaction of helping others, active involvement in the community and the friendships that form through volunteer work. Service has a profound effect on the person who provides the help as well. “I’m not wealthy, but I am richer because I volunteer,” comments one Red Crosser when expressing how volunteering has changed her life. Across the country, the actions of the American Red Cross volunteers provide relief to victims affected by domestic and international disasters; they help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies; they make it possible to provide lifesaving blood to victims of disease and injuries; they connect families separated by a call to duty; they teach lifesaving skills; and the American Red Cross celebrates the actions of our volunteers who enable us to fulfill our mission. In the Central Ohio Blood Services Region, a team of about 500 volunteers in Franklin County alone makes it possible for the Central Ohio Region to keep serving the community. To our dedicated volunteers throughout the 27 counties of the Central Ohio Region, we thank you for all you give us. If you are not currently a volunteer for the local American Red Cross, please join us! To learn more, see our Volunteering page. More about National Volunteer Week: Points of Light Institute leads recognition week Nominate a volunteer to be recognized nationally			Media contacts Central Ohio Blood Services (614) 253-2740 1-800-338-8086 Rodney J. Wilson Communications Manager extension 2347 e-mail Heather Reichle Communications Specialist extension 2275 e-mail Other Red Cross lines of service You can find your local Red Cross chapter by searching on redcross.org or by checking the white pages of your local phone directory. National media inquiries Click here for listings