Staff, residents and family at Wesley Homes Lea Hill donated blood to the Auburn community.
An important goal for Wesley Homes has always been to be a part of the greater community through active involvement and charity work. That’s why Wesley Homes Lea Hill Human Resources Generalist Donna Hyder arranged for a local community blood center to visit the campus last month with a “bloodmobile.”
“It’s just a good thing to do to give back to our community,” said Donna. “I knew that when we donated to Cascade Regional Blood Services, the blood would go directly to people who need it in the Pierce and South King county areas.”
Donna and a few other staff members put out flyers on campus inviting fellow staff members to donate blood. They set a modest goal of 15 donors, and on July 20, nine staff members, three residents and one family member gave blood.
Some people routinely give blood, but others, like Terri Conner, a receptionist at Lea Hill Rehabilitation & Care Center, are uncomfortable around needles. Fortunately for Terri, her co-workers were encouraging and supportive and offered to help keep her distracted while she gave blood.
“I get nervous around needles,” said Terri, “but it was worth it. After I was done, the person who took my blood told me, ‘Thank you. You just saved three lives!’ That was the best part of the whole experience.”
It meant a lot to Terry to know that she had made a difference. She said she plans to donate again next time around.
The Lea Hill staff were pleased by the overall turnout and appreciate everyone who participated.
Donna added, “I think everyone felt very positive about doing this for their community, and we hope to have even more donors next year.”
