Living to serve others.

The words on this paper are not enough to give the true meaning of what Jean Achey means to Miller-Keystone Blood Center; Jean is Miller-Keystone Blood Center (MKBC). She is one of the most gracious, kind, and generous women you can meet and she gives a piece of herself to every blood donor. This amazing woman has been a volunteer with us for 27 years and has given 16,600 hours of service as a Canteen Attendant at our Bethlehem fixed site and at bloodmobiles throughout our service territory. As a Canteen Attendant, Jean is responsible for monitoring blood donors after their donation and serving snacks and drinks while making the required 15 minute stay in the Canteen as comfortable as possible for donors. The blood donors enjoy Jean’s wonderful sense of humor, her tireless efforts to entertain, and her cheerful personality.

MKBC is a unique volunteer opportunity because we operate all over the community to collect blood for the area hospitals through fixed site locations and blood mobiles that are held at local schools, businesses, and churches. Jean is one of the exceptional people that will go anywhere to cover the Canteen. She is willing to travel long distances and/or cover longer shifts.

Jean has a permanent shift Friday mornings at our Bethlehem fixed site. She sees many regular donors that schedule their donations based on her being there to greet them after their donation. They look forward to her genuine hugs and kisses. If one of the donors does not show at their regular time, Jean is concerned, and the donors feel the same way. If Jean is not here at her scheduled time, the donors inquire about her absence.

Jean not only gives her time as a Canteen Attendant, she also helps with office work when we have large mailings and is a fixture at our biggest fundraiser of the year, Cruise Aboard the Lifeline, and as a representative at community events. She is also trained to perform the duties of a Donor Flow person at our larger mobile sites. Jean also provides and invaluable service when it comes to filling in at the last minute. Jean is basically willing to help in any way she is needed.

I wish I could say that Jean gives all of her spare time to us at MKBC but we share her with many in the Leigh Valley. She has truly given her retirement to the service of others. I would not be surprised at all if you received multiple nominations for Jean from any of the other organizations she has volunteered with such as Artsquest (Christkindlmart, Musikfest, Musikfest Café), State Theater of Easton, Miller Symphony Hall, Zoellner Arts Center, Greater Allentown Pioneers, Celtic Classic, and St. Jude’s. That is just the places we know of!

Jean is a true lady and is an inspiration to many. She deserves this recognition and I am honored to have the opportunity to know her and be able to nominate her for this award.

Carlos M. Barata
Marketing Coordinator
Miller-Keystone Blood Center
www.GIVEaPINT.org