Red Cross Volunteer and High School Teacher Inspires Young Blood Donors

By Laura McGuire, American Red Cross

During National Volunteer Month, we salute our Red Cross volunteers, celebrate their accomplishments and recognize them for their lifesaving work. Without these volunteer heroes the Red Cross could not achieve our mission of helping people in need.

When the American Red Cross reached out to, Kim Houser, an agricultural science teacher, to host a blood drive at Wisconsin Heights High School she couldn’t say no.

For the last 25 years Houser has been saying yes to blood drives and she has been a loyal Red Cross blood program lead volunteer and a teacher at the school. She is warm, kind and a wonderful giving teacher who inspires her students to donate blood to help save lives and educates them on the constant need for blood in the community.   

Since 1999, she has mentored many students and hosted over 50 blood drives that resulted in collecting nearly 2,300 lifesaving donations. “Even if you can’t donate blood there is so much you can do – make cookies, pour juice, encourage others to give blood,” said Houser.

Many of the students who have helped organize blood drives over the years have walked away with great community experience and Red Cross Leaders Save Lives scholarships for their work. “Anytime I can bring community into the school I’m a 100% for it. I love my job and the sense of accomplishment it brings,” said Houser.

In November of 2023, Houser experienced a medical condition that required her to receive a blood transfusion. After experiencing severe blood loss, lack of energy and not feeling well, she was given a blood transfusion which had an immediate impact on her health condition. It allowed her to feel like herself again.

Houser hosted a spring blood drive a few weeks ago and this was one was a bit more personal. Now when hosting blood drives she tells others her story and how important lifesaving blood can be to those who need it. “You never know when you will be the one needing blood,” said Houser.

“If I could talk to the donor who gave me blood, I would give them a big hug, graciously thank them over and over and tell them how special they are to me. I would also thank the Red Cross for what they do every day since it makes a big difference in the lives of others,” said Houser.

Our volunteers are the true heart and soul of the Red Cross, they represent more than 90% of our workforce and they make it possible for us to help people in need every day. Volunteers provide comfort and relief to help ensure people don’t face emergencies alone. Each day, volunteers support blood drives, assist veterans and military families, provide food and shelter after disasters of all sizes and so much more. You, too, can volunteer and help make a real difference in people’s lives.

 Visit redcross.org/volunteer for a complete list of current volunteer opportunities in your area.