Giving Life, One Donation at a Time:
A Personal Story
For more than 20 years, Second B has been blessed to host an ongoing ministry of sponsoring blood drives. Those who donate understand the great need in our community for life-sustaining, life-giving blood! We are so grateful to be a part of a church family that recognizes this need and faithfully opens its doors to serve others in such a tangible way.
Our drives are held about once every two months, since those who donate a single unit of blood are eligible to give again in eight weeks. Each drive makes a difference, more than most of us can even imagine.
Second B blood drives are open to the public, and nearly one-third of our regular donors are not members of our church. What a beautiful testimony that our church can serve not only our own fellowship, but our entire community. We are incredibly thankful for everyone who donates, especially our faithful regular donors. We are also grateful to those who gave faithfully in the past but, for various reasons, are no longer able to continue. Every single donation over the years has mattered.
And of course, we are always looking for “new blood”! If you have tried to donate blood in the past but were told you did not qualify, you may be encouraged to know that eligibility requirements do change from time to time. Medications that once disqualified donors may now be acceptable. Medical conditions that were once barriers may no longer prevent donation. If you have questions, If you have questions, I would be more than happy to visit with you and help you find answers.
My own journey as a blood donor began many years ago while I was working at the VA Outpatient Clinic. One of our nurses organized the drives, and I had never participated. Truthfully, I was very reluctant to donate. But when that nurse retired, organizing and recruiting for the blood drives suddenly became my responsibility. I realized I could not, in good faith, encourage others to donate blood if I was not willing to do it myself. So I signed up.
I still remember the nervousness I felt that first time. But the donation went smoothly and, as I stepped off the mobile donation coach, I was filled with the most wonderful sense of joy knowing that my blood might help someone in desperate need, perhaps even save a life. My joy that day sparked a passion in me for fostering blood donation. That was over 25 years ago and my only regret is that I waited so long to begin.
If you are looking for a meaningful and very tangible way to give back to our community, I encourage you to consider donating blood. It requires very little time, but the impact is truly priceless for both the giver and the recipient.
Our next blood drive at Second B will be held on May 13, from 3:00 to 6:30 pm. Reach out to the church office to be in touch with me and I will get you scheduled.
Let’s continue to serve, one donation at a time.
Judie Darnell