Blood Services Volunteer Driver David Kasten: More than 1,000 Hours and Countless Miles of Selflessness

Written by Linh Le, staff contributor

American Red Cross Blood Services staff member Lynn Burdick shares a laugh with devoted volunteer David Kasten after one of his many shifts of transporting blood to those in need.

For the past two years, David Kasten, 79, has volunteered as a transport driver for the American Red Cross to help deliver blood to patients in need. Sometimes he takes long-distance routes, which can keep him on the road for up to eight hours. To David, volunteering is a way to maintain an active lifestyle while helping the community.

“By volunteering, I get the opportunity to meet new people and travel to Tyler or Bryan, Texas,” Kasten said. “It makes me feel good to know that I am helping patients. I’m looking forward to another 1,000 hours and many more of volunteering.”

In addition, after working more than 50 years as a civil engineer, he is still active in professional organizations, including the American Society of Civil Engineers, National Society of Professional Engineers and Institute of Transportation Engineers. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with family, reading and cheering on the Texas Rangers.

“Kasten is representative of those volunteers who dedicate time but aren't always visible, as they quietly go about delivering blood or assisting at blood drives on a daily basis, but their contribution is significant to the Red Cross as they help patients in need every day,” said Lynn Burdick, Red Cross volunteer coordinator.

We thank David for his tireless dedication to the American Red Cross Blood Services mission. After over 1,000 hours of volunteer driving, we’re sure he’s worn down the tread on some tires but his spirit of enthusiasm and service will make it a long time before he wears out himself!

Information about volunteer opportunities with the Red Cross Blood Services is available at www.redcrossblood.org/volunteer.

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