Giving the Gift of Life
We all possess a renewable substance in our bodies with a market value of up to fifteen hundred dollars. This rich resource not only keeps you alive, but can prolong others’ lives. One hour of time to donate one pint of blood can save three people’s lives.
Partnering with The Red Cross, StoneBridge has hosted a quarterly blood drive for over 20 years, thanks to the vision of our deacons and elders in 2003. The desire to engage the community and show mercy propelled the leadership to embark on this ministry with deacon Bob Ward at the helm.
Bob is passionate about this community outreach opportunity and shares some history on the genesis of blood drives, stories of how these Saturday mornings place us for a purpose in the community, as well as some staggering numbers.
The first blood drive was in the 1940s at the beginning of World War II. After the war, the need waned, but an oil refinery fire in the 1950s depleted supplies. Volunteers were scarce until the Red Cross used some creativity and began holding drives near liquor stores, offering bottle discounts to anyone willing to donate. As medicine improved so did the demand for blood. The awareness has increased and giving a pint has become mainstream. However, only five percent of eligible people are willing to donate.
Bob shares that donors from all walks of life unite in our fellowship hall with a common purpose, to give life to others. Hindus, Muslims, and Christians come together quarterly to chat, roll up their sleeves, and bond in this experience. The conversations can lean into deeper topics, with volunteers delving into their personal lives but avoiding politics. Bob has had many opportunities to share available community resources, such as help with addiction.
Hosting the blood drives requires preparation and volunteers, but is somewhat a ministry in a box, as the Red Cross orchestrates the morning. Our volunteers have included widows and widowers, the elderly, and our youth, providing all age groups with an opportunity to serve.
One notable year was 2009, when a QuarterLife member (our previous young adult ministry) suffered an injury, became a paraplegic, and needed blood. As a show of support for him, 75 donors crowded the Fellowship Hall to give blood.
During COVID, the Red Cross supplies were basically depleted. Usually dependent on school drives for their supplies, they turned to churches in desperation. StoneBridge was sought out in August of 2020 to host a drive and this event was one of the most supported in its 20 year existence!
Bob has had opportunities to invite donors to church. At our most recent drive, he met a young couple attending UNC Charlotte. The student loved to give blood and came to StoneBridge, as it was close to campus. Bob took the time to get to know them in the brief hour and invited them to our service.
StoneBridge averages 100 donations a year. In total, 6,300 people have been medically helped by these pints of blood.
Have you considered giving an hour of your time to save the lives of three people? Life is precious and a gift from God. Donating blood is a reminder of how much we need each other, as there is no other way to get this vital resource except from another human being. Christ died on a cross and shed his blood for us. By volunteering to give or serve, you can show your gratitude and know you have made a difference in someone’s life.
