Volunteering – Heart & Soul

When Colette Ming came to volunteer at Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center, she came on strong. So strong in fact, that the Blood Center staff kept having to pull the reigns back to avoid "volunteer burnout." That was 14 months ago, and each time she volunteers her time, she also volunteers her heart and soul.

Ming actually began her relationship with the Blood Center more than 20 years ago by organizing blood drives at her church. In addition to continuing this tradition, she also has her hand in many other activities taking place at the Blood Center. She helps with office projects, assists with numerous blood drives, educates donors, helps new blood drive chairs with questions they may have, oversees various volunteer projects that have taken place, and even wears the blood drop costume to get the attention of potential donors. Ming is not afraid to offer new ideas when she sees something that might be able to be done a better way and if available, will do whatever is asked of her.

For a while, Ming was unable to donate blood herself, but felt that volunteering her time would be the best way she could contribute to the blood supply. In the process of volunteering, Ming has made it a point to try to meet as many of the Blood Center’s 600 staff members as she can. Many times, staff members who have previously worked with Ming specifically request her for other projects.

Colette Ming is truly a wonderful addition to the volunteer staff, and has made a positive impact on those whose lives she has touched.

E-Mail: tmcinfo@texmedctr.tmc.edu
URL: http://www.tmc.edu/tmcnews/04_01_02/page_25.html