During a recent blood drive held in Lancaster, Ohio, assistant center commander, Staff Sgt. Douglas Arnold, donates blood to help support the local community and promote the Army’s core value of selfless service.
Blood Drive Attracts Prospects
Story and photo by D. Charone Monday, USAREC, Columbus Battalion
May 14, 2014
Columbus Battalion's Lancaster Recruiting Center, sponsored an American Red Cross blood drive recently that not only helped the local community but recruiting efforts as well.
The event was coordinated by assistant center commander, Staff Sgt. Douglas Arnold, who regularly donates blood. Even though strong winds and rain dampened the turnout, approximately 50 students showed up which led to appointments being made by the recruiters.
According to Arnold, coordinating a blood drive is fairly simple. Once the dates are set, the Red Cross provides flyers, posters and sign-up sheets. Simply approach your targeted schools, get permission to distribute the information, and schedule appointments for the students.
Since the Lancaster blood drive was projected more than two months out, follow-up was the key. “The biggest factor is maintaining contact with the students to remind them of the event and the [fact] they have made a commitment to something larger than themselves,” said Arnold.
Arnold promoted the blood drive on the company’s Facebook page and Craig’s List. He said because it is a community event for the Red Cross, Craig’s List will allow you to post the announcement free of charge.
For even greater success, Arnold suggests setting up the blood mobile in a visible location that also provides adequate parking for the blood donors. Outside of a mall is a great choice and provides the opportunity for recruiters to hand out flyers the day of the event.
As far as helping recruiting efforts Arnold said, “The schools were in support of the event and I think it helped open a lot of doors that were sort of closed. It allowed the Army to be looked at in a different light in the community and in the schools since we were actually giving back to the community and trying to do something positive.”
Story and photo by D. Charone Monday, USAREC, Columbus Battalion
May 14, 2014
Columbus Battalion's Lancaster Recruiting Center, sponsored an American Red Cross blood drive recently that not only helped the local community but recruiting efforts as well.
The event was coordinated by assistant center commander, Staff Sgt. Douglas Arnold, who regularly donates blood. Even though strong winds and rain dampened the turnout, approximately 50 students showed up which led to appointments being made by the recruiters.
According to Arnold, coordinating a blood drive is fairly simple. Once the dates are set, the Red Cross provides flyers, posters and sign-up sheets. Simply approach your targeted schools, get permission to distribute the information, and schedule appointments for the students.
Since the Lancaster blood drive was projected more than two months out, follow-up was the key. “The biggest factor is maintaining contact with the students to remind them of the event and the [fact] they have made a commitment to something larger than themselves,” said Arnold.
Arnold promoted the blood drive on the company’s Facebook page and Craig’s List. He said because it is a community event for the Red Cross, Craig’s List will allow you to post the announcement free of charge.
For even greater success, Arnold suggests setting up the blood mobile in a visible location that also provides adequate parking for the blood donors. Outside of a mall is a great choice and provides the opportunity for recruiters to hand out flyers the day of the event.
As far as helping recruiting efforts Arnold said, “The schools were in support of the event and I think it helped open a lot of doors that were sort of closed. It allowed the Army to be looked at in a different light in the community and in the schools since we were actually giving back to the community and trying to do something positive.”