MONCKS CORNER, SC February 24, 2025 – For anyone who thinks giving goes on break because of a snow storm, Home Telecom and the South Carolina Region of the American Red Cross have proven that it does not.
Home Telecom completed the first of three blood drives this year on Friday, January 31, celebrating a 25-year lifesaving partnership with the American Red Cross.
The contributions are not just about giving blood. Home Telecom employees have made $168,092.22 in cash contributions to the South Carolina Regional Red Cross Blood Bank in the past 25 years, starting in 2003 by way of paycheck deductions.
These cash contributions are as important as the blood itself since it provides much needed help to people in South Carolina communities affected by natural disasters, facing health and safety conditions, needing blood collection and for hospitals and services needed by the armed forces.
Home Telecom has donated 1,118 red cell units of blood over a period of 49 blood drives during this time, which based on Red Cross calculations saves approximately 3,354 lives.
The South Carolina Regional Blood Bank began holding corporate blood drives in 2000, but 2025 has already presented its share of challenges. The most recent blood drive held at the Home Telecom Customer Operations Center in Moncks Corner prevailed in the face of a rare winter snowstorm. Not only did the hazardous road conditions threaten attendance, but Home Telecom and the American Red Cross also prevailed over unfortunate mechanical setbacks with the blood mobile.
“At Home Telecom, we often talk about the importance of community, and we look for ways to support our customers any way we can whether it is through local sports programs and sponsorships, or education and health,” said Home Telecom President and CEO William S. Helmly. “I can’t think of any better way to support our community than with a 25-year (and growing) partnership with the lifesaving services of the American Red Cross of South Carolina. Our employees are always the first to volunteer when needed and the first to get involved when asked.”
Home Telecom will participate in two more drives this year, the next coming up in June 2025.