"Volunteering is a wonderful way to make a difference and to help non-profit organizations help others. At United Blood Services, volunteers are a vital part of the mission to provide a safe and ample blood supply to our community," Tammy Crites, donor recruitment supervisor for United Blood Services in Fort Smith, Ark., said.

"There are numerous other volunteers who work behind the scenes to keep blood on area hospital shelves. These blood drive coordinators plan and organize blood drives for their communities, businesses, churches, schools and organizations," Crites said. "A person may also volunteer to assist with registering donors at the sign-in table, serving refreshments, and calling local blood donors in their communities."

"We have many communities that host blood drives that are in great need of local volunteers," Crites continued. "Oftentimes, we travel to these areas with no local contact to help us prepare for these community drives. The communities that do have local volunteers are able to provide us with several more donors. Our goal is to get a blood drive committee built in our communities so our blood supply can be relied on each day."

Volunteers are needed at this time to assist United Blood Services with registration tables, telephone coordinators, etc. Anyone interested in making a difference and becoming a volunteer for United Blood Services may contact Crites at (479) 424-2778. To schedule an appointment to donate blood, log on to www.UnitedBloodServices.org or call (800) 934-9415.