By Elizabeth Godwin, volunteer contributor, American Red Cross North Texas Region

Yvonne Evans was drawn to volunteering for the American Red Cross because, “I wanted to get involved with an organization that is beneficial to everyone and has a deep impact all over the world.”

She personally knows the power of a helping hand. When homeless, she received an extended hand that placed her on a path to turning her life around. Her own trials and struggles are a source of motivation for her to continue volunteering, even when medical issues and feeling the effects of burnout meant she needed to cut back on volunteering and focus on her own health.

She may have slowed down, but she certainly isn’t stopping. Yvonne has been volunteering with the American Red Cross since 2018 in Blood Transportation and is currently a Blood Donor Ambassador.

Yvonne’s faith also gives her strength. She believes volunteering is her God-given purpose and it is something she’s fiercely passionate about. “I cannot see myself ever giving up on it,” she said. “There is no greater feeling than serving others.”

She takes pride in delivering excellent customer service as the first point of contact for donors. The people she meets are also a source of inspiration, and among the reasons she encourages others to volunteer.

“You can make such a huge impact in your local community as there is always someone in need and that feeling of playing a role is like no other,” said Yvonne.

In addition to serving others and making a difference, she touts gaining skills and networking as benefits to volunteering.

Her big heart keeps her connected to volunteering. “I like making a difference and serving others,” said Yvonne. “My heart is so full each time I volunteer.”

There are lots of ways to help others roll up your sleeve and donate blood, host a blood drive, become a blood ambassdor like Yvonne, blood transportation or you can make a donation to help all information is available at RedCrossBlood.org.