Looking Past Yourself

Katie Little aka @MNGurl1183

Utilizing HootSuite to connect with our blood donors, blood recipients and other blood donor recruiters, I’ve been introduced to many amazing individuals (thanks to the keyword column feature). It was within that column that I ran into Katie Little, also known as @MNGurl1183 (on Twitter). She said that she just finished volunteering for the day at Memorial Blood Center, so I approached her with a question and we soon were able to initiate an interview about what it’s like to volunteer at a blood center.

Tim: Ok, well the first question really is this: What made you start volunteering?

Katie: I finished a temporary job in April 2009 and I was having a hard time finding work, so I decided I wanted to volunteer. I went on their website and sent out an inquiry message.

Tim: So were you originally hoping to volunteer at Memorial Blood Center (MBC) or was it one of many choices? Did they call you first?

Katie: Yes.  I originally remembered they were at the Minnesota State Fair every year and located in St. Paul. I can’t really remember how it worked out exactly, but I started working on clerical jobs at their St. Paul location before working as a canteen host at blood drives. I eventually ended up as a rep at the state fair.

Tim: Great! So was it difficult to begin volunteering or were you able to start right away (as far as paperwork, etc.)?

Katie: I didn’t find it difficult. Really easy. I guess the only issue I had was how I would get there, but it’s on a great bus line.

Tim: Do you remember what your first day of volunteering was like?

Katie: It was just in their office. I would do like a copy job – just small stuff. It was really fun because I met other employees there who got to know me.

Tim: Have you been able to come into contact with any donors or see things change at the center when the donation need becomes critical?

Katie: I guess you could say I have. After they finish donating blood at a drive, they come to the canteen and I provide them with food and beverages.

Phil Losacker, in charge of volunteer services at Memorial Blood Center, and Katie Little

Tim: So you got a chance to interact and engage with the donors! How was the general atmosphere in the area after donations?

Katie: The general atmosphere is always positive. Sometimes you get people who are chatty and other times people just rush back to work. We try to emphasize them to take some sort of sugar on the way back. I have donated in the past. I recently came back from living in England for 10 months, so I’m not sure if I could donate.

Tim: Completely understandable. That must have been quite an experience! How has working at the center changed your view toward the need for blood donations and donors? Have you started donating since you began volunteering?

Katie: It has changed my view in that I believe everyone should take the opportunity to donate blood or volunteer.  One of the fun opportunities at the Minnesota State Fair is that we (MBC) have blood typists. So for 12 days, they “type” people. It’s fun because people find out on the spot like, “Oh, I’m an O+!”

Tim: Haha, that would be awesome! So are there many volunteers at the Blood Center?

Katie: I don’t know the exact number. I had an orientation yesterday about the fair and Phil said it’s 70/30 – 30% are actually MBC employees and 70% are volunteers.

Tim: That’s amazing! I had no idea the volunteer base would be so high. During your time there what is one thing you’ve learned from the blood center that is most worth sharing with others who don’t (yet) volunteer or donate? What do you think it would be?

Katie: Be open-minded and, if you can’t donate, share your time to help. Everyone needs blood and if you can’t donate (for whatever reason), spread the word about it. That is important.

Tim: So what’s next for you after volunteering? Is this something you’ll continue once you find a job? Have you looked into working at MBC? Will you continue to be an active donor?

Katie: I will continue to volunteer. At the moment, I am signed up for 4 shifts at the state fair. I am currently working an internship, plus a small part-time job.  Phil and I have a great relationship (he’s quite funny) so I will do anything to help get the word out about MBC to others and promote their organization. Volunteering is great to include on your resume. During interviews people become interested. And while I don’t think it’s a selling point, I feel that it eases the tension in an interview.