It took Joan Lewison 10 years to get up the nerve to give blood. The deciding factor for her was when her husband became ill from lung cancer.

"I have been a Red Cross volunteer for 15 years. For the last eight years I have been the coordinator for blood services. My first seven years as a volunteer I made bags for the Bloodmobile," Lewison said.

The bags she helped make up were for blood donors that had labels placed on them with numbers to identify the source of the blood. Blood is tested in St. Paul to determine its type and its makeup. Lewison said people shouldn't be afraid to give blood as it is always needed, it is perishable and can only come from people.

"I have learned a lot with the Red Cross. I have taken a CPR class. I am trained for disasters and the armed forces. I am a contact person for families to connect with loved ones in the Armed Forces every Thursday night. This service is for anyone with a family member in the armed forces. At the Red Cross, we are a go-between for families. For example we let the family members in the armed forces know if there is an illness or a death in the family," Lewison explained.

Lewison volunteered at the Mower County Fair Red Cross booth where there was a beanbag toss for children. She also gave out information to fairgoers on giving blood and the schedule for the next Bloodmobile. The dates coming up for the next Bloodmobile at the Oak Park Mall are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 26 and 27 and noon until 6 p.m Aug. 28 from. The BloodMobile will be at the YMCA 8 a.m. to 1 p.m Aug. 30.

Anyone can be a volunteer for the Red Cross. "It takes no one of special talent," Lewison said.

She raised five children and they are Ruth Ann, in Seattle, Washington, Karen, in Rochester, Bob, Vicki and Tracy Jo live in Austin. She has seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren,

"If you have the time it is better to volunteer than sitting home in a chair. You get to see and meet a lot of fun people," she said.

Sheila Donnelly can be reached at 434-2233 or by e-mail at newsroom@austindailyherald.com