By Tim Poe, American Red Cross volunteer

Each day in our region, American Red Cross youth and young adult volunteers assist at blood drives, help veterans and their families, learn and teach skills such as CPR and disaster preparation, and aid their communities. Many of these activities are through Red Cross Clubs.

An extension of a local Red Cross region or Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) station, Red Cross Clubs assist mission-related activities and help their communities. Volunteers gain valuable experience and lifesaving skills, discover opportunities and develop lifelong friendships.

For insight into Red Cross Club activities, I spoke with Rayanna Cap and Wesley Leong, who have been Red Cross volunteers since 2023 and 2020, respectively.

Rayanna was initially inspired to volunteer with the Red Cross by her sister. While researching opportunities, Rayanna learned of Red Cross Clubs. She thought the project was “awesome,” and helped create the club at Findlay High School, from where she will graduate in May.

Wesley partly credits his supportive family and culture of helping others as inspiration to volunteer. “I wanted to expand that support into the community and build relationships that aren’t given to us,” Wesley said. While at Revere High School, Wesley researched why he hadn’t seen a blood drive at the school in a while, which led him and a friend to create the school’s Red Cross Club. He is currently studying chemistry at Emory University.

Since joining the Red Cross, Rayanna and Wesley have been exceptionally active, valuable volunteers. In addition to serving as club coordinator at Findlay High School, Rayanna has helped start at least 10 clubs. Wesley works with Red Cross Clubs across our region, meeting with officers each month to offer advice and support, brainstorm ideas and help form new clubs.

Both Rayanna and Wesley expressed how much they enjoy helping others, the community, and meeting and working with others. Rayanna said, “I love talking to others and helping to get youth involved, like how donating blood saves lives. If they’re nervous, I’ll hold their hand while they donate.” Wesley said he enjoys seeing the impact of his work, saying, “I can actively do something to help others in the community.”

Among Rayanna’s favorite activities is a “Tie-Blanket” project where Club members get together during the holidays, watch a Christmas movie and create blankets for local shelters. “Knowing blankets are going to local shelters is very inspiring, helps solidify the passion for what we are doing and teaches members the benefits are real, especially when I saw someone using a blanket we had made,” Rayanna said. The event is now an annual holiday tradition.

Other activities Rayanna enjoys and has inspired others to join include canteen services– providing snacks and water for first responders or residents impacted by local disasters, working with local businesses to help support blood drives and other activities, and learning CPR and other lifesaving skills. “I love the work that I do!” she said.

One of Wesley’s favorite Red Cross moments was during a Veterans Day gift drive, seeing how important the gifts were to those at a local VA hospital. Currently, he greatly enjoys connecting with and helping fellow volunteers aid their communities. He also offers advice and insight to help others succeed in college.

Both have also been inspired by their volunteer services. Rayanna credits the Red Cross as helping her choose her college major and career path. She will be attending The Ohio State University this fall, majoring in public policy and minoring in both education policy and nonprofit management.

Wesley, now in his junior year at Emory, credits much of his success and view of the world to his experience with the Red Cross. “I wouldn’t be where I am without the Red Cross,” he said. Wesley plans to attend graduate school and become a professor.

As busy as they are, both find time for other activities, and both especially love baking. Rayanna also participates in sports, including soccer, bowling, lacrosse, running and pickleball. Wesley also crochets and makes plushies.

When asked what they would say to someone thinking of joining or starting a Red Cross Club, both resoundingly said, “Do it!” Rayanna said, “You’ll make so many memories, meet so many people. I’ve listened, held people’s hands and understand things I may not have otherwise. You’ll experience things you won’t forget. You’ll also gain many skills like public speaking, communications and using Microsoft, which apply to future goals.” Wesley added, “There are so many opportunities, and the experience has helped in many ways. I will be forever grateful to the Red Cross.”

More on Red Cross Clubs and other youth volunteer opportunities is available a redcross.org/red-cross-youth.html.

Edited by Glenda Bogar, Red Cross volunteer