Red Cross, Trinity UMC blood drive a memorial to donors, volunteers
The American Red Cross and Trinity United Methodist Church (TUMC) in Orrville established a partnership in January 2011 to support the need for blood and blood products throughout Ohio. Since 2011, TUMC has hosted 71 blood drives and collected 2873 units (pints) of blood. The success of these blood drives would not be possible without dedicated blood donors and volunteers who help support the drives.
TUMC is hosting a Red Cross Blood Drive on Thursday, July 8 from 1-7 p.m. in memory of donors and volunteers who lost their lives within the past three years. The following individuals will be recognized during this blood drive:
Rebecca “Becky” Bacher (June 2, 1946-Sept. 26, 2020) truly had a heart for serving others. Not only was she a blood donor, Bacher also volunteered her time to distribute blood drive posters to local businesses, cook delicious chili seasoned with a hint of cinnamon, and to work in the canteen. She believed that volunteering was a way to honor others.
Theodore “Ted” Bishop (July 27, 1960-March 18, 2019) was a faithful donor who was part of the American Red Cross Heroes for Babies program. He was always excited to learn where his blood donation was sent and proud to know that he was helping babies and families with the gift of life. Bishop had a gift for bringing a smile to all who encountered him at blood drives.
Cheryl Ellis (Oct. 15, 1947–Jan. 16, 2021) was committed to helping other people in many aspects of her life. Her commitment carried through the Red Cross blood drives as she cheerfully volunteered her time in the canteen. Her genuine concern for the wellbeing of others ensured that donors were well taken care of after the donation process.
Harry J. Fry (Nov. 27, 1927-April 8, 2020,) was a lifetime blood donor who donated over 16 gallons of blood. A dedicated supporter of the TUMC blood drives, always offered words of praise and encouragement to other donors and volunteers.
Hazel Hobert (Nov. 26, 1926–Dec. 16, 2020) spent her life serving others in many capacities. Volunteering to make cookies and soup for the blood drives at TUMC is one example of her faithfulness to helping others. Hobert touched the lives of many people with her warmth, compassion, and willingness to help whenever needed.
Robert “Bob” Hoover (Aug. 4, 1932–March 9, 2018) was a dedicated volunteer who enjoyed working at the registration desk at blood drives with his wife, Pat. His warm smile, friendly greeting, and positive outlook on life put donors at ease from the very beginning of their donation process.
Marilyn Schaffter (July 24, 1933–Dec. 6, 2020) had a heart for volunteering in the health care arena; volunteering to assist with blood drives was a natural fit for her. She often provided homemade cookies and soups and assisted by serving food in the canteen.
Mary Lee Maiwurm (Sept. 15, 1937–Nov. 8, 2019) rarely missed an opportunity to volunteer at a TUMC blood drive. She was known for her infectious smile and compassionate spirit evident in her ability to talk to anxious donors and put them at ease during the donation process. She enjoyed working in the canteen and ensured that donors needs were met.
Please join Trinity United Methodist Church in remembering each of these dedicated donors and volunteers who had a tremendous impact on the lives of individuals who required blood and blood products.
How to donate blood — Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800- RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.
The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or on Twitter at @RedCross.