Red Cross Month: Getting Involved and Making a Difference

Shelly Oliver started volunteering for the American Red Cross in 2018, shortly before Hurricane Michael made landfall in the U.S. She has traveled to Florida, Oregon, Louisiana and elsewhere to provide disaster relief after hurricanes, wildfires and other disaster scenes.

Shelly lives in Macon County, near Decatur and responds locally to home fires and other incidents, providing immediate assistance to people who have been impacted by disasters. She also helps install smoke alarms as part of our Sound the Alarm program.

“I like the disaster response work, being on scene with the clients. You take these people with you. I call to check up on them and they will call me sometimes,” she said.

Despite the challenges presented during the COVID pandemic, Shelly still has been able to assist in a virtual setting, and she is glad to have had to have been able to serve during this time.

“I love the virtual intake process because I am still able to meet with the clients, even though it has not been in person during the pandemic,” she said. “When we do intake over the phone, we’re able to connect a little deeper because we have more opportunities to talk after the initial response.”

Shelly has been a great asset to the Illinois region and beyond. Her positive attitude and strong work ethic have helped people in numerous situations during her time as a volunteer. For Shelly, it is something she enjoys doing.

“I love everything about Red Cross. I wish I had known what the Red Cross did a long time ago, I would have gotten involved long before I did. Four years ago, I had no idea all they did; it just amazes me.”

If you would like to sign up as a Red Cross volunteer, please click here.

In March, the American Red Cross of Illinois is honoring the people who make its mission possible every day during its annual Red Cross Month celebration – a national tradition started nearly 80 years ago when President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the first national Red Cross Month proclamation recognizing those who give back through the American Red Cross. Each U.S. president has issued a proclamation ever since. Join Red Cross Month by visiting redcross.org to make a financial donation, sign up to give blood, become a volunteer or take a class in lifesaving skills, such as first aid and CPR.

Written by Illinois Region Communications Manager Brian Williamsen

Celebrating Black History Month: Employee Spotlight on Darren Thompson

Darren Thompson has worked for the American Red Cross of Illinois for 25 years.

Darren’s brother gave him the inspiration to start working for the organization in 1996; he worked for the Red Cross and sparked Darren’s interest in coming on board. Darren started as a technician and, most recently, has been a manufacturing supervisor for the past 17 years. He enjoys being a part of the mission of the Red Cross and has played a big role in the impact Blood Services has made on the community, specifically Peoria and the Central Illinois Chapter.

Darren oversees a team of three staff members and six drivers on his shift and credits his time working in other roles for the effectiveness he is able to have as a supervisor. “Coming from the floor, you have seen every aspect of the job, so that helps a lot,” he said.

The Red Cross provides hospitals with lifesaving blood products 24 hours a day, 365 days a year including: red blood cells, platelets, plasma, whole blood and blood products for research. Darren oversees the distribution of blood products on a daily basis. There can be a fluctuation in the amount of these products coming through his area and the COVID-19 pandemic has made a significant impact on that supply. As Darren says, “We go as the inventory goes.”

Darren and his team inspect the products as they come through their area and make sure they are packed and delivered in a timely fashion to hospitals who need them. It is a job Darren loves and one that gives him a great sense of satisfaction.

“I’ve seen it so many times, where we have products that need to get to people – lifesaving products. You just feel like you’re making some kind of difference. I always visualize myself being at that hospital and needing these products, so it kind of helps you understand the importance of making sure customers get what they need.”

In his spare time, Darren is a deacon at his church, volunteers his time and loves to go fishing. You might find him reeling in a catfish if you are ever at a lake in the Peoria area.

Thank you, Darren for 25 years of service to the Red Cross and for all you have done and continue to do to make a difference!

The American Red Cross continues to face a national blood crisis – its worst blood shortage in over a decade, posing a concerning risk to patient care. Doctors have been forced to make difficult decisions about who receives transfusions and who will need to wait until more products become available. Blood and platelet donations are critically needed to help prevent further delays in vital medical treatments. During this blood crisis, the Red Cross asks the country to roll up a sleeve to help ensure people in their communities receive the care they need. Make an appointment to give blood or platelets as soon as possible by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Written by Illinois Region Communications Manager Brian Williamsen