The American Red Cross recently marked its 140th year in service, helping people across the nation and here in New York State.

On a recent hot spring day, Chris Jones of Jamestown drove to Lakewood to spend part of her afternoon at the Chautauqua Mall.

At 86 years young, this long-time retired nurse had no plans to go shopping.

"I'm coming as a Donor Ambassador for a blood drive sponsored by the Red Cross," Jones said.

While she's only been in that position a short time, Jones has volunteered for the Western New York chapter of the organization for 21 years.

"I enjoy meeting people and I look forward to the day," said Jones. And there's always something different every time. And we're getting the blood out to people that need it, and it's worthwhile time spent."

Once Jones arrives at the chapter's brand new donor center, which is now permanently located in the mall, she puts on hand sanitizer and checks her temperature.

Once the gate opens for the day, part of her job as Ambassador includes checking-in and registering donors as they enter, all on brand new computer technology she had to learn and be trained on.

"It was difficult because I didn't have very many background skills to start with. That's been a learning experience that I'm getting more used to it," said Jones.

"People like Chris are the real heroes. She's always positive about donating and behind the scenes, their job is very important to volunteer to keep things flowing well," said blood donor Mark Fralick from Corry, Pennsylvania.

Things are flowing well for donor Fralick, who recently gave his 229th pint of blood.

Fralick comes from a strong bloodline, as his grandmother was one of the original members of the Century Club, donating more than a hundred pints, while his father Bob donated a record 320 pints, making him one of the world's leading donors.

"It's a gift of saving lives. All the lives that we've touched throughout the years with them getting our donations and hopefully saving lives," said Fralick.

When he was done, Fralick walked over to the snack table, sat down and chatted with Jones about her volunteer work, as the two have known each other for years.

Not only does she volunteer for the Red Cross, but also helps maintain the gardens at Lucille Ball Memorial Park in Celoron and the landscape outside the Prendergast Library in Jamestown. 

Next month, weeks shy of her 87th birthday, she's traveling with her daughter to Louisiana on a mission trip to replace roofs on homes. 

"I won't be on the roof," Jones laughed. "I expect to be either doing food or cleaning, or scrubbing. Whatever they need me for. Rewarding to help some others who are less fortunate."

Equally rewarding for Jones is a recent Volunteer of the Year award she received from the United Way of Southern Chautauqua County.

"I'm very thankful for it, it's very nice," Jones admitted. "I appreciate it. I am thankful to the Lord for the health and strength that he's given me to do this."

At a time when many volunteers locally and across the state took a step back because of the pandemic, she not only stepped up, but went the extra mile to help others. 

"You're giving life to another person," said Jones. "We never know when we're going to need it. You know, one unit of blood can serve three different people, help prepare people that are in emergencies, or need surgery or sickle cell anemia."

At the end of the day, whatever the need, the community can bank on Jones to lend a hand.

For more information about American Red Cross volunteer opportunities, click here.