A new community tradition is set to begin this February as Wendi Southwick organizes the 1st Annual Thrivent Pahrump Red Cross Blood Drive, scheduled for Saturday, February 14, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 5461 E. Manse Road in Pahrump.
The Valentine’s Day blood drive will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the church’s Cultural Hall and is being held in loving memory of Southwick’s mother, Beckie Morales, who was a lifelong blood donor. Morales passed away 13 years ago after battling cancer, and her legacy of generosity continues through this event.
Southwick recently partnered with Thrivent Financial, a not-for-profit financial organization known for encouraging community service and generosity. Through Thrivent’s Impact Action Teams program—launched in 2014—members and employees are empowered to organize service projects that support causes close to their hearts. For Southwick, the choice was immediate.
“I knew right away that I wanted to organize a blood drive,” she said. “My mom donated blood regularly for as long as I can remember. Hosting this drive in her memory felt like the perfect way to honor her and help save lives.”
The event is being held in partnership with the American Red Cross, which continues to face a critical need for blood donations nationwide. Organizers hope the Valentine’s Day theme—“Give from the heart”—will encourage community members to share a meaningful gift that can directly impact patients in need.
The drive will include festive Valentine’s touches while keeping the focus on the lifesaving importance of blood donation. Community members are encouraged to schedule an appointment in advance by visiting RedCrossBlood.org and entering Sponsor Code: THRIVENT, or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Southwick hopes the event will not only meet donation goals but also grow into an annual Pahrump tradition—one rooted in compassion, remembrance, and community care.
