AFSCME members at Clarion University sponsor Red Cross blood drive

During the summer months, when very few students roam the campus of Clarion University, AFSCME Local 2623 members are still there making it happen.

They service the students who remain on campus taking summer classes, and prepare for the next semester that is right around the corner, while always staying involved in the community.

In addition to contributing to local and on-campus community efforts, Local 2623 sponsors an American Red Cross blood drive every summer when there are no student groups on campus to do so. The Local has taken part in this life-saving event every year for the last 20 years.

Pictured left to right: Jodie Hagan, Cindy King, District Council 85 Director David Henderson, Linda Horner and Lisa Deemer.

Local 2623 member Linda Horner coordinated this year’s event with the help of her union sisters Jodie Hagan, Cindy King and Lisa Deemer. They helped donors register, provided food from local restaurants and assisted the Red Cross wherever they could to make sure the drive went smoothly, with some help from the State College & University Professional Association (SCUPA).

“I particularly like the Red Cross’s tagline: ‘The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give Blood,’” Horner said.

“There’s always a need for blood. There’s a hospital here in our own town. As long they think we get them enough blood here, it’s worth doing.”

Local 2623 knows what it means to give back, and members like them are the lifeblood of the union.