At InSite Builders & Remodeling, we believe in building more than homes. We’re committed to building communities and meaningful ways to give back. For the past three years, we’ve partnered with the American Red Cross to host blood drives. It’s a partnership rooted in shared values of service and compassion, and it’s a cause that’s incredibly close to our hearts.
This story isn’t just about InSite—it’s personal. I have a history with blood donation that started back in my high school days at Landon School in Bethesda, MD.
How It All Began
When I was in high school, I started giving blood for a pretty simple reason: it got me a night off from homework. Landon School offered this perk, and as a student who wanted as much time away from homework as possible, I was sold. But what started as a homework break quickly turned into something much more.
My very first donation introduced me to the dire need for blood in our country. I learned that my blood type is the universal donor type and is especially critical in emergencies and for newborns. I realized that this was a way I could make a real difference. Giving blood felt good, and it felt necessary.
During my years in college and throughout my career, I remained a regular donor, and I encouraged friends to do the same. One day, I thought why not leverage InSite’s platform and resources and partner with the Red Cross to host blood drives? And just like that, a small “aha moment” grew into something bigger.
The (Hilarious) Story of Our First Blood Drive
I worked very hard for our first InSite blood drive. It was memorable… but not for the reasons I expected. I went all out, calling every friend and business colleague I had, collecting donations from local businesses (special thanks to the W.C. & A.N. Miller Development Company, Subway, Starbucks, and Gregorio’s for their support), and packing InSite swag bags to hand out to donors.
I thought I had it all figured out! We set up in the hallway outside the Safeway in our Bethesda office building. Everyone showed up enthusiastic to give, and I thought, “This is going to be amazing!” But then… things unraveled.
First, the blood drive fell way behind schedule. The wait times grew longer and longer, and despite everyone’s patience and good spirits, it became clear we were in over our heads. To make matters worse, halfway through the drive, the building’s fire alarm went off—a first in the seven years we’ve been at this location. With alarms blaring, the blood drive came to an abrupt halt.
It was basically over before it even began. But starting at the bottom means there’s nowhere to go but up…
And up we went. Since that uncertain beginning, we’ve hosted six successful blood drives, and our seventh is scheduled for February 25, 2025. Each one is smoother and more organized, and I couldn’t be prouder of the effort and impact that our InSite blood drives have had.
The Importance of Donating Blood
The need for blood donations in the United States is constant and urgent. According to the American Red Cross, someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds. Blood donations are needed for surgeries, traumatic injuries, and natural disasters. Look at the wildfires in California, it’s the Red Cross and the blood donations that you and I make which ensure that hospitals have the supplies they need to save lives.
At InSite, we believe there is a strong connection between our core values and this mission. All of us at InSite are dedicated to providing value to our homeowners through exceptional craftsmanship and care, and we bring that same passion to our community by providing value through programs like our blood drives. The need for blood donations is great, and we’re honored to be part of the solution.
Help Us to Make a Difference
We are hosting our next blood drive on February 25, 2025, from 1-6 PM, and we hope you’ll roll up your sleeve and join us. If you can’t make it, don’t worry—we’ll be hosting two more blood drives later this year. Every pint of blood donated can save up to three lives, and your contribution could make all the difference.
At InSite Builders & Remodeling, we’re not just about transforming homes; we’re also about building a stronger community.
