When asking yourself about something to do near me in Raleigh with a group of friends or family, consider
American Red Cross
Why American Red Cross is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The American Red Cross (ARC) is a premier nonprofit humanitarian organization founded in 1881 by Clara Barton with a mission to provide relief and support to people in need throughout the United States. As a trusted community partner, ARC excels in bringing people together to respond effectively to disasters such as fires, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, and other emergencies. It is an excellent organization to engage with if you want to meet friends who are committed to making a positive impact, volunteer, or learn critical lifesaving skills. ARC offers training in first aid, CPR, AED use, lifeguarding, babysitting, and preparedness education, making it an empowering hub for personal development and community health. Highlight features include its management of about 40% of the nation’s blood donations, ensuring lifesaving blood supplies for accident victims, surgery patients, and those with medical conditions. The American Red Cross also provides robust support for military families, including assistance during deployments and emergencies. Its vast volunteer network and local chapters create meaningful opportunities to collaborate, serve, and connect with like-minded individuals dedicated to humanitarian causes.
Here's what people think of American Red Cross
As of recent, American Red Cross holds a 4.7-star rating based on 64 reviews.
Reviewers generally express strong appreciation for the American Red Cross's commitment to disaster response and community service, reflected in its solid 4.7-star rating from 64 reviews. Positive feedback frequently highlights the professionalism and dedication of volunteers and staff, the valuable educational programs offered, and the critical role ARC plays in blood donation and emergency preparedness. Users appreciate the accessibility of classes such as CPR and first aid, which enhance community resilience. Many commend the organization's rapid and effective disaster relief efforts and its compassionate support for military families. On the other hand, some negative reviews point to occasional delays in response during large-scale disasters or challenges in communication. A few users mention bureaucratic hurdles when seeking assistance or volunteering. Despite these critiques, the majority of feedback underscores the American Red Cross’s positive influence and indispensable services. Overall, user reviews suggest the organization is dependable, impactful, and a meaningful platform for those interested in humanitarian aid and community engagement.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Anthony Glad
I donate here regularly. They are always nice and it's never super busy.
Ryan Draper
Been donating blood at this location for years. Staff and volunteers are generally pleasant and welcoming. Today I went with a scheduled appointment at 4pm, and the doors are locked, lights off. Standing outside with two other people who also took time off work to make appointments wondering what happened. Called the general service number, they had no idea what was going on, they transferred me to the local phone number here. Of course, no one answered, so I left a message. It's especially weird considering the barrage of messages you get reminding you how important it is to donate, there's a desperate need for blood, you need to complete your rapid pass yada yada yada. Whole experience really just sours looking forward to doing this again and makes me wonder if I should even donate here because I'm not even sure if they're going to be open. Maybe there's a really good reason they're closed without notifying people with scheduled appointments and I hope everyone is okay, but this just seems like an incredibly sloppy organizational oversight.
Marcilynn Smith
I scheduled my appointment for blood donation since that was mandated with the Covid19 restrictions. I arrived and was promptly taken into an intake room after checking in. I had to wait approx 5 min after completing the intake information for someone to pull me out to get the blood donation process started. A typical wait when they are busy, but there was NO ONE else in the building giving blood at this time. 4 of the 6 paid staff were sitting in chairs and playing on their phones when I was taken to the donation chair. The person getting my donation started had to assemble the blood kit before she started asking my name and DOB, to get my donation in process. With previous donations someone assembled the blood donation tubing & tubes for staff to grab and facilitate donors getting through the process quicker. A gentleman came in to give blood while I was in process and one of the staff got up to start his donation which left 3 paid staff sitting and playing on their phones. These people should have gotten up in pairs, one to assemble the tubing & tubes while the other prepped the donors. A much better use of a donor's time as well as the paid staff time. After donation the refreshment person was sitting at the table on her cell phone as well. Typically that person is more interactive and helpful. This lady did mention grabbing a business card for a free pizza which I wouldnt have known about. At the end of my post donation wait time she did pleasantly say "have a good day". I donated at this particular location because they had a time slot open on the date I was available. My 2 other normal locations were booked. I would not recommend donating here.
Matt Womble
The American Red Cross is an amazing, volunteer-run organization! Nothing else like it and they do such wonderful things for others, serving our military, training our communities, collecting life-saving blood and responding after a disaster - thank you!
Dana Sessions
I gave blood in Feb. O Neg and have for years. The App made me think all was good. Found out today that it was contaminated after my donation and is being destroyed. So not only did someone not take proper care of it, but the ARC is misleading me in the App making me think all was fine. Lack of transparency makes me lose trust. They must not need O Negative blood like they would have you believe if this is how they treat their donors now.
How to reach American Red Cross
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Why American Red Cross may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at this place with your friends?
Gathering at the American Red Cross offers a unique and meaningful experience for friends and family who want to come together for a cause that truly matters. Unlike traditional social venues, the American Red Cross is a beacon of hope, history, and humanitarian service, providing a space where people can connect, learn, and contribute to lifesaving efforts. When you rally at this place, you engage directly with a community dedicated to helping those affected by disasters, supporting military families, and promoting health and safety. It’s an opportunity not only to spend quality time with your loved ones but also to deepen your understanding of human resilience and compassion. The shared experience of volunteering or participating in Red Cross events fosters a sense of purpose and collective impact, creating memories rooted in kindness and service. This elevates a simple meetup into a powerful moment of unity and social responsibility, making the American Red Cross an exceptional destination to connect with friends meaningfully.
What activities can you do at the American Red Cross?
The American Red Cross offers a wide variety of activities perfectly suited for groups seeking to make a difference together. First and foremost, blood donation drives are central to their mission, where friends can come as a group to donate blood, potentially saving multiple lives. Participating in a blood drive also educates donors about the critical need for safe blood supplies nationwide. Additionally, the organization offers hands-on disaster preparedness and first aid training sessions designed for groups, which teach vital skills such as CPR, emergency response, and how to prepare homes for natural disasters. These workshops are engaging, interactive, and empower participants with knowledge that could help save lives in their own communities. Moreover, groups can volunteer together in disaster relief efforts, assembling care packages or assisting in community awareness campaigns. This teamwork not only strengthens group bonds but also provides a tangible way to contribute to local and national rescue efforts. Such activities make the American Red Cross an inspiring venue for any meetup focused on community service and education.
Why is the American Red Cross perfect for a group meetup?
The American Red Cross is ideal for group meetups because it blends social interaction with purposeful action, allowing friends and families to do more than just gather—they can collaborate on meaningful projects that have real-world impact. The space and programs accommodate groups of all sizes, making it easy to plan and participate in shared experiences that are both educational and rewarding. The welcoming environment encourages teamwork and empathy, fostering connections not only among members but also between the group and the wider community. Furthermore, the organization’s long-standing history and trusted reputation inspire pride and motivation in participants, fueling a deeper engagement in their mission. The flexible scheduling of events, ranging from one-time workshops to ongoing volunteer opportunities, ensures that groups can find activities that fit their interests and availability. Lastly, the chance to support a nationally recognized humanitarian cause boosts the value of any meetup, transforming ordinary social plans into an uplifting collective action that leaves a lasting impression on everyone involved.
What can friends learn about history and humanitarianism together here?
Visiting the American Red Cross offers a rich educational journey into the history of humanitarianism and the organization's pivotal role in shaping disaster relief in the United States. Founded by Clara Barton in 1881, the American Red Cross has a legacy intertwined with landmark events such as the Johnstown Flood, the Spanish-American War, and the battle for the ratification of the Geneva Conventions. Friends can explore exhibits and informational resources that tell the inspiring story of Clara Barton, known as the "angel of the battlefield," and how her efforts laid the foundation of the organization. Learning about how the Red Cross expanded services to cover domestic and international disasters provides deeper insight into the evolution of humanitarian aid. This shared knowledge helps groups appreciate the complexity and importance of disaster response, the challenges faced, and the triumphs achieved by volunteers and staff. Engaging with this history encourages reflection on the values of compassion and volunteerism, enriching any group’s discussion and connection.
How does the American Red Cross enhance community connections during meetups?
The American Red Cross acts as a community hub where individuals and groups meet not only to serve but also to build social bonds grounded in the shared goal of making a positive difference. It encourages diverse groups to come together—whether families, friends, or colleagues—helping each other learn new skills while contributing to a vital cause. Group meetups here become more than social gatherings; they turn into collaborative experiences that nurture empathy and civic responsibility. The organization’s various local chapters offer tailored volunteer opportunities and social events that foster community spirit and enable new friendships to form. By working side-by-side on blood drives or disaster preparedness, participants deepen trust and teamwork. Moreover, interacting with the Red Cross staff and beneficiaries introduces groups to personal stories of courage and recovery, humanizing the impact of their involvement. This genuine connection to the community is a significant benefit of meeting at the American Red Cross, making every visit meaningful and memorable.
In what ways does volunteering as a group at the American Red Cross build stronger relationships?
Volunteering at the American Red Cross creates a unique setting for friends and family to strengthen their relationships through shared purpose and collective effort. As groups engage in activities like organizing emergency supplies, participating in blood drives, or providing administrative support, they not only contribute to lifesaving missions but also improve their communication and collaboration skills. Facing real-world challenges together fosters mutual trust and respect, leading to deeper emotional bonds. The rewarding nature of the work—knowing that their efforts directly assist people in need—enhances feelings of accomplishment and mutual pride. Furthermore, the diverse range of volunteer roles allows every individual to contribute according to their strengths, promoting inclusivity within the group. These collective experiences help friends move beyond the usual social interactions, creating lasting memories built on empathy, teamwork, and meaningful impact.
What facilities and support services does the American Red Cross provide for groups?
The American Red Cross is equipped with facilities designed to facilitate group activities and learning. These include spacious meeting rooms, training centers outfitted with modern audiovisual equipment, and specialized areas where hands-on CPR and first aid training sessions take place. Many local chapters can accommodate large groups for volunteer orientations or emergency preparedness workshops. The organization also provides expert instructors, experienced volunteers, and staff support to guide groups through educational programs, ensuring a smooth and enriching experience. Support resources such as printed materials, safety kits, and take-home tools enhance learning and engagement. For groups that want to make a bigger impact, the Red Cross offers logistical assistance for organizing blood drives and fundraising events. This comprehensive support creates a welcoming and efficient environment where groups can focus on contributing and connecting, free from logistical concerns.
How does the American Red Cross promote safety education for all ages during group visits?
A core component of the American Red Cross’s mission is educating the public on health and safety, which makes it an excellent venue for groups looking to learn essential lifesaving skills. They offer age-appropriate courses covering topics such as CPR, first aid, water safety, and disaster preparedness. These courses are interactive, employing demonstrations, practice sessions, and multimedia tools to engage participants fully. Families with children can find tailored activities that teach young ones about safety in an accessible, fun manner. For adult groups, the Red Cross provides certifications that are recognized professionally and personally valuable. These programs empower groups to be proactive and ready in emergencies, increasing community resilience. The focus on practical skills and knowledge ensures that every visitor leaves better prepared, making the group meetup not only enjoyable but also life-enhancing.
How can attending Red Cross events together inspire ongoing social responsibility?
Participating in American Red Cross events as a group can ignite a long-lasting commitment to social responsibility among friends. Experiencing firsthand the organization's vital role in disaster relief, health education, and support for military families reveals how concerted actions can create meaningful change. This shared journey inspires participants to take ownership of their roles as active citizens and humanitarians. Many groups develop ongoing partnerships with their local chapters, engaging in regular volunteering or organizing their own fundraisers. The Red Cross also fosters a sense of global connection by linking local efforts to its international humanitarian network, broadening participants’ perspectives on worldwide needs. Such inspiration extends beyond the visit, encouraging continuous contributions and leadership in community welfare. This transformative aspect distinguishes the American Red Cross as a rallying place where friendships and values alike are strengthened.
What makes the American Red Cross a trusted and reputable venue for hosting meetups?
The longstanding history and respected reputation of the American Red Cross contribute significantly to its appeal as a venue for hosting group meetups. Since its founding in 1881 by Clara Barton, the organization has maintained a consistent message of compassion, neutrality, and effectiveness in tackling some of the toughest challenges facing individuals and communities. Its national presence and affiliation with the International Red Cross network assure participants of high standards and reliability. Transparency in operations, rigorous training programs, and the visible impact of its services engender public trust. Groups meet not only under a roof but within an institution that embodies humanitarian excellence. This reputation enhances guests' experience, providing confidence that their time and efforts are well invested, making every event meaningful and respected.
Why is the group experience at the American Red Cross both impactful and enjoyable?
The group experience at the American Red Cross is uniquely impactful because it combines meaningful service with positive social interaction. Working side-by-side on important projects creates a sense of accomplishment and shared success. Group members benefit from learning new skills, meeting like-minded people, and contributing to life-altering causes. The environment is upbeat and supportive, encouraging teamwork and celebration of collective achievements. Beyond the serious work, many Red Cross meetups include social elements such as recognition ceremonies, coffee breaks, and informal discussions that reinforce friendships in a relaxed setting. This blend of contribution and camaraderie ensures that groups leave feeling fulfilled, socially connected, and motivated to continue their involvement, highlighting why the American Red Cross stands out as a top choice for hosting group meetups.