Asheville, July 28, 2025
News Summary
Ever van Rijssen, a recent graduate, is making a difference in her Asheville community by organizing two blood drives in partnership with the American Red Cross. With a strong commitment to service and a passion for blood donation, van Rijssen aims to inspire others to participate and ensure adequate blood supply during the summer months. The blood drives will take place at local churches, where she will actively facilitate the donation process and promote community involvement.
Asheville, North Carolina – Ever van Rijssen, a recent graduate of A.C. Reynolds High School, is taking significant strides to impact her community by organizing two blood drives in partnership with the American Red Cross. This initiative highlights her commitment to community service as she prepares to transition into college.
Van Rijssen, who served as a drum major in her school’s marching band, began donating blood at the age of 16 and has maintained a consistent donation schedule ever since. Over the past two years, she has donated blood approximately every eight weeks, totaling around two gallons. Her ongoing passion for blood donation is evident, as she takes an active role in promoting the upcoming blood drives to encourage community participation.
The first of these blood drives is set for Friday, July 25, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Land of the Sky United Church of Christ located on Overlook Road in South Asheville. The second event will take place on Monday, August 19, running from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Groce United Methodist Church on Tunnel Road in East Asheville. As the host of these events, Van Rijssen will welcome donors upon arrival and assist in facilitating the donation process.
The importance of blood donation cannot be understated, as it plays a crucial role in saving lives and supporting medical procedures. The American Red Cross emphasizes the need for regular blood donations to help maintain adequate supplies for hospitals and patients in need. With the summer months often seeing a decline in donation rates, efforts like Van Rijssen’s are essential in ensuring that blood reserves remain robust.
Ever van Rijssen’s involvement in these blood drives is rooted in a larger narrative that showcases how young individuals can contribute meaningfully to their communities. Her initiative reflects a growing trend among students who actively seek to serve others as they embark on their post-secondary education journeys. Community service is not only beneficial for those who receive assistance but also instills a sense of responsibility and purpose in those who volunteer their time.
As van Rijssen prepares to leave for college, she leaves behind a legacy of service and commitment to helping others. The blood drives serve not only as a vehicle for addressing community health needs but also as a platform for inspiring other young people to engage in similar acts of kindness and civic duty.
Upcoming Blood Drive Details
- Date: July 25, 2023
- Time: Noon to 5 p.m.
- Location: Land of the Sky United Church of Christ, Overlook Road, South Asheville
- Date: August 19, 2023
- Time: 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.
- Location: Groce United Methodist Church, Tunnel Road, East Asheville
Background on Blood Donation
Blood donation is essential for various medical situations, including surgeries, trauma care, and treating chronic illnesses. The American Red Cross advises that regular donation events help ensure that blood supplies remain sufficient to meet the demands of healthcare providers.
FAQs
What is the purpose of the blood drives organized by Ever van Rijssen?
The blood drives aim to collect blood donations to support the American Red Cross in maintaining adequate supplies for hospitals and patients in need.
When are the scheduled blood drives?
The first blood drive is on July 25, 2023, from noon to 5 p.m., and the second is on August 19, 2023, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Where will the blood drives take place?
The first blood drive will be at the Land of the Sky United Church of Christ, and the second will be at Groce United Methodist Church.
Who can donate blood at these blood drives?
Eligible donors include healthy individuals who meet the American Red Cross’s guidelines for blood donation, which typically require donors to be at least 16 years old and meet specific health criteria.
How can someone get involved or support the blood drives?
Individuals can donate blood during the scheduled events, help promote the drives, or volunteer to assist with the organization and setup of the events.
Key Features
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| July 25, 2023 | Noon – 5 p.m. | Land of the Sky United Church of Christ |
| August 19, 2023 | 12:30 – 4:30 p.m. | Groce United Methodist Church |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Asheville Hosts 15th Annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive
The American Red Cross Drives UNC Asheville students to donate amidst national blood shortage
Additional Resources
- 828 News Now: Asheville Teen Organizes Blood Drives
- WLOS: 38th Annual Operation Blood Connection Drive
- Our Local Community Online: Help Save Lives with the Red Cross
- WLOS: Blood Drive Asheville Battle Badges
- Wikipedia: Blood Donation
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
