Congratulations Jimmy Hazelton, the October 2016 Volunteer of the Month!

Jimmy began volunteering with the American Red Cross in 2001 after the September 11th attacks in New York and Washington, D.C. The retired army veteran—who had been a blood donor since his days of active service—was impressed with the widespread turnout at blood centers around the country following the bombings. “The response was great.” Jimmy says. “Soon after, I heard they needed people to help organize everyone at the donor centers and decided to become involved.”

Fifteen years later, Jimmy still volunteers as a Donor Ambassador at the Chippewa Valley Donor Center in Eau Claire, WI.

“Jimmy is a regular volunteer at Chippewa Valley Donor Center,” says Blood Services Volunteer Representative Panghoua Moua, who nominated Jimmy for the award. “He always shows up for his shifts ready to serve our donors to make sure they have the best experience and is an active individual who is willing to give his time and talent to help his community.”As a Blood Donor Ambassador Jimmy, welcomes blood donors, shares the Red Cross story, and registers donors. He also makes reminder calls, re-schedules donor appointments and attends to donors in the hospitality area when needed. Jimmy volunteers twice a week and also picks up extra shifts whenever he can. Panghoua notes, “over the years, Jimmy has proven to be a leader and now provides support to our department by training new Donor Ambassador Volunteers in Eau Claire Donor Center.” Jimmy’s quick to point out that we all can help, “I’ve been there so long—it’s very logical I show new volunteers what to do.”

He is an active individual who is willing to give his time and talent to help his community and we couldn’t be more grateful! “They do such great work around the world,” Jimmy says of the Red Cross. “I’m happy to be a very tiny cog in it.”

Thank you, Jimmy, for proudly representing the Red Cross in your community and for giving back to others through assisting in the collecting of blood to save the lives of many!