When I first thought about volunteering with the Red Cross, I never expected that I would become part of a group that takes care of blood donors, spend afternoons listening to the life stories of wise, kind women, and find myself welcomed into a caring community. Yet this is exactly what I found – and so much more.
A story that began in our village
The local Red Cross organization was established in our village back in 1954. Since then, it has continued to unite a strong community: thanks to the dedicated members and the exemplary activity of blood donors, our village was awarded the title of “Humanitarian Settlement.” Blood drives are organized three times a year, which means that even our small community ranks high on the national level when it comes to blood donation.
But the Red Cross here is about much more than blood. The members of the association help patients, people in need, and the elderly – they are always there when someone needs them. In January, for example, the traditional “Blood Donor Banquet” takes place, which is not only a way of giving thanks, but also a community celebration. We are also proud that the local primary school is a Red Cross base school, giving children the chance to experience the joy of helping others from a young age.
The need: Blood donors, volunteers, grandmothers
One of the greatest needs of the Red Cross today is ensuring a continuous blood supply – blood that cannot be manufactured, only given by donors. In the United States, for example, around 6.8 million people donate blood each year, yet that still represents only a fraction of those eligible. And while the figures are different in Europe, the message is the same: we need far more people to step forward.
But volunteering is not only about blood donation. The real strength of the community comes from those who bring their time, their love, and their attention – whether they are grandmothers, students, or young adults.
My experiences: Pancakes and elderly women
I joined a women’s group as a volunteer – many of them have been part of the local Red Cross for decades. Some of them are truly grandmothers, but all of them care for others with their whole hearts. They carry a kind of wisdom that no book or lecture could ever fully capture.
One of my dearest memories is of an afternoon when they taught me how to make “grandma-style pancakes.” The recipe itself was simple – flour, milk, eggs, a pinch of salt, and lots of patience. But what I received was much more than instructions. I learned to pay attention to the small details, to value traditions, and to feel the kind of care that radiated from their every move.
And of course, it wasn’t only in the kitchen that we created memories. We organize events, visit the elderly, share stories, and listen to one another. These moments shape us into a true community.
Becoming part of the community
Volunteering with the Red Cross is more than “doing good.” It’s about connection. Listening. Caring. Being there for someone when they need you – whether that means helping to organize a blood drive or sharing a grandmother’s pancakes.
When you join, you step into a tradition that has been alive for more than a century. A tradition that, in our village, continues to connect generations.
Why consider joining?
- Because every single donor can save lives.
- Because you’ll learn new skills – from organizing events to simple cooking, from caregiving to understanding the needs of the elderly.
- Because you’ll gain stories, laughter, and wisdom.
- Because you’ll make a real difference in your community.
If you’ve ever thought about it, I encourage you: try it. Come to an event, meet the local Red Cross “grandmothers,” taste the pancakes. Bring your kindness. Because the Red Cross is not just an organization – it’s a feeling. A feeling that you belong somewhere, where you will always matter.
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