Blood Chairman Leads Life-Saving Drive

Brother Larry Snyder has served as Blood Chairman for Ossea Lodge No. 317 in Wellsboro since January 2015. Under his leadership, the lodge has collected more than 3,000 units of blood, helping to save over 9,000 lives, and has raised over $30,000 for Masonic Charities.

“It’s an incredible achievement,” said Brother Bill Soloway, Director of the Masonic Blood & Organ Donor Program. “It’s quite an accomplishment for one brother at one lodge to collect that many units – that’s 300 units of blood a year.”

Ossea Lodge had traditionally volunteered to host one or two blood drives each year under former chairman Brother Tim McCullough. When Tim had to step down, Larry — recently retired from his career as a salesman — was asked to take over the program, and he agreed.

As participation and demand grew, the American Red Cross requested additional blood drives be held at the Wellsboro lodge building. In response, Larry called for volunteers, and a core group of 15 brothers stepped forward to support the effort.

Today, several of those original volunteers have retired or passed away. Larry, now 85, currently works with a small group of five volunteers, including two widows of Masons who help staff the tables and hand out treats. But the lodge continues to host blood drives.

That continued success is largely credited to Larry’s steady commitment and dedication. He maintains detailed records of volunteers and carefully tracks the amount of blood donated at each drive.

For every unit of blood that is donated, the lodge receives a $10 credit to use for Masonic charity, Larry said. “We fill out paperwork and send it to the Masonic Blood + Organ Donor Program.”

Larry was surprised to learn just how many lives could be helped by a single donation of blood — one unit alone can save up to three people.

“I keep all the logs and can see the numbers growing each time,” he said.

All blood drives hosted at the lodge are open to the community. The next drives are scheduled for Aug. 13, Oct. 8 and Dec. 3. While the events are advertised, attendance typically comes through word-of-mouth, Larry said.

When Larry served in the U.S. Navy aboard an aircraft carrier in Florida, he would sometimes get shaky or even pass out while standing in line with other service members to receive shots. Years later, when a friend’s family member needed blood, a group of shipmates traveled to Jacksonville to donate. Larry discovered then that he was able to give blood without fainting, an experience that stayed with him.

“It didn’t bother me as much as I thought it would,” he said. “There are some people who can’t give blood, but I could, so I did. I loved helping people. I didn’t think much about it until they needed someone from the lodge not to give blood, but to run the blood drives.”

About 15 to 18 years ago, Larry was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AFib), an irregular heart rhythm that begins in the heart’s upper chambers. He was placed on blood thinners and told he could no longer donate blood. He is now exploring a new procedure that may eventually allow him to give again.

While he does not expect to continue running the program indefinitely — especially given the long hours he once kept, working 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. shifts and still setting up tables and chairs — Larry remains committed to helping whenever he can. For him, it has always been about more than logistics; it’s about continuing to make people smile.

“I try to make it a fun experience for everyone who attends,” he said. “If there’s fun involved, I’m there. I can’t always attend meetings, so this is my way of giving back.”

Marge Smith, Account Manager for American Red Cross Blood Services, covering the Wellsboro area, has worked with Larry for many years. She often marvels at how effectively he helps with both recruitment and volunteer coordination — not only for drives at the lodge, but sometimes in other towns, as well.

“I reach out to him if appointment counts are low and ask if he can help push for more donors,” she said. “Sites that run regularly typically host drives every other month, with at least 56 days in between, and donors have to sign up in advance.”

She added that Wellsboro remains one of the stronger locations, noting its welcoming space and consistent community support. “They have a great following — they’re strong, and they do well,” she said. Her staff also assists on the day of each drive by helping prepare food and setting up equipment.

Ultimately, she said blood drives should be a positive experience. “People are taking time out of their lives to help someone else,” she noted.

“Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. It could be you tomorrow — you never know. Tomorrow is never promised.”

For Marge, the goal is simple: to make a difference. “I’m happy to make a difference, and Larry and other Masons go above and beyond to make a difference. I love doing blood drives with them. Larry is one of the key people. I could not do my job as well as I do without him. He helps bring it to the next level.”

For more information on the Masonic Blood + Organ Donor Program, visit MasonicBloodandOrganDonors.org.