By Jessica Kenley, Monarch Media

COUDERSPORT, PA — On an otherwise ordinary morning in town, on a windy, cold Nov. 13, the extraordinary heart of the community was on full display as volunteers, donors, and Red Cross staff gathered for the ongoing local blood drive — a tradition now 18 years strong.

Held every other month, the drive is organized by a dedicated team of volunteers, including long-time coordinator Earl Jordan. “It happens every other month…right here, and I’ll do another one next month,” Jordan said with a smile as he signed in early participants. His involvement began nearly two decades ago, inspired by the late Faye Wood, whose memory still fuels the mission. “I’ve been doing this for 18 years,” he said. 

Inside the venue, the sound of friendly chatter blended with the steady rhythm of check-ins and screenings. “We’re doing blood. Yes, I’m sitting here registering people in,” one volunteer explained, flipping through the list of appointments. “That list is the people that have signed up to give blood, okay? They just mark it off, they interview them. If they aren’t good, they throw them out — into the snow bank, right?” she joked with a laugh.

The team expected to collect about 25 units, with some donors giving double through the “power red” process. “He’s here, double red. They take two units out of them, and they gotta skip a month,” an organizer said, emphasizing both the need and the careful health requirements.

Among the stream of volunteers was Jamie Nelson, who spoke about her long-time commitment. “I have done it for years,” she said. “Why? Because you can. It costs zero money, and it’s a really good thing to do. I could save a life. What if my kids need a blessing?”

Others, like retired Coudersport shop teacher Joe Gaggat, offered a mix of humor and honesty. “I hate needles,” he admitted. “I’m afraid of getting hit by a truck. I’m not going to play chicken with a truck, but I’ll take a shot with a needle. You face your fears, and you leave, you feel good. Plus, I did some crappy things over my life. This is the way to pay back. My goal was to hit 10 gallons before I’m done.”

Red Cross nurse Morgan Stiver brought not only professional expertise but a personal connection to the cause. “I had a blood transfusion when I was born,” she said. “I had a blood infection and I was going to die. Somebody got on that power red machine to save my life. So now I just try to give back, because it really hits home for me.”

Stiver also stressed the ongoing shortage of donors nationwide. “Only 3% of the population donates,” she explained. “That’s why blood types are so scarce. We’re going to more high schools, more colleges — reaching out to tons of people. Some days, we drive two and a half hours just to get here.”

Throughout the morning, the atmosphere remained upbeat, even when the topics weren’t. Needle jokes, shared memories, and the occasional dropped bandage were met with warmth and good humor. “Anything else you want to know, my dear?” one volunteer asked when wrapping up the interviews, capturing the friendly spirit of the event.

As donors left with bandaged arms and renewed pride, the theme was clear: Coudersport’s strength lies in its willingness to come together. “Somebody saved my life, and I’m going to give back for the rest of it,” Stiver said — a sentiment shared by many throughout the day.

In a world where good news often feels scarce, the blood drive served as a reminder of the kindness, resilience, and generosity that define this community. And on this morning, that kindness, like the donated blood, flowed freely.