Wheeling resident Don Seidler is tended to by phlebotomist Jeff Fetty during an American Red Cross blood drive held at Wheeling Volkswagen Subaru on Tuesday. While blood collections have remained steady during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Red Cross is in great need of volunteers for all types of lifesaving and life changing work.

WHEELING — Ohio Valley residents have remained faithful to the American Red Cross’ request for blood donations even during the current COVID-19 pandemic. And while blood drives, such as the one held Tuesday at Wheeling Volkswagen Subaru, are filled with donors, the Red Cross has another urgent need.

Patricia LaFever, disaster volunteer coordinator, said Tuesday the Red Cross is in “desperate need of volunteers.”

“I’m a volunteer for the blood drive but I’m also here today at this blood drive to recruit volunteers,” LaFever said.

LaFever said because of the pandemic, many people who would normally volunteer as Red Cross disaster team responders or for other volunteer duties have chosen to stay home. Red Cross volunteers often are older and can’t commit to volunteering at this time. This poses a dilemma for the Disaster Action Team that continues to respond to what LaFever refers to as “small, every-day disasters.”

“The Disaster Action Team is still responding to house fires and all types of disasters. We need people to help,” LaFever said. “Even if they can’t do something in person, there are opportunities to help online.”

LaFever said while there is training involved to become a volunteer, it can be accomplished virtually as well.

“There are videos to watch and there is a new set of rules, but it’s not hard at all,” she added

Disaster Action Team volunteers provide immediate comfort and care to families by ensuring they have a safe place to sleep, food to eat and clothes to wear, as well as providing emotional support. In addition, volunteers are urgently needed as disaster shelter workers, disaster health service professionals and disaster action team members. Professional counselors also are needed to work with members of the armed forces by providing reconnection workshop modules.

Anyone interested in learning more about becoming a Red Cross volunteer can contact LaFever at 304-232-0713 or email patricia.lafever@redcross.org.

Tuesday’s blood drive at Volkswagen Subaru was by appointment only, as are most all blood drives at this time. Red Cross blood drive coordinator and phlebotomist Jeff Fetty said the drive was expected to draw more than 30 donors if all showed up. He assures donors all safety precautions are taken during blood drives and urges first-timers to “step up and drive.”

James Guy, service adviser at the dealership who donated blood Tuesday, said it was the third time the business has provided the space for a blood drive.

“It’s our way of giving back to the community. It’s the best gift you can give someone,” Guy said. “Anyway, it’s one of the few positive events in my life in 2020.”