Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    American Red Cross

    4.3 (27 reviews)
    Closed 7:30 am - 3:45 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

    Services - American Red Cross

    Community Service/Non-Profit

    American Red Cross Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - American Red Cross

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Incompetency of needle handling by Red Cross Staff at Tremont St.
    Satoe S.

    I have given blood numerous times before with no complications, but two days ago I experienced the most incompetent lady there. The southeast asian lady must have been new since I haven't seen her before, but as soon as she inserted the needle, a shock of pain went down my arm to my fingertips. I've never felt pain like that. Clearly I was in a lot of pain, but she still asked 'Does it hurt?' as she moved the needle around. I looked over and blood was spilling onto the arm of the chair. She kept saying that my blood was pumping too slow and would continuously wiggle the needle in my arm. I understand that this was my choice to give, but I am writing this review and adding pictures because no one should go through the lack of competency by the red cross staff when donating like I had to. I replaced my bandaid yesterday and took it off today, but I really hope Red Cross will reconsider their training and for the people reading, know that this is the risk you are facing when donating blood. I cannot straighten my arm without feeling a jolt of pain in my fingers. I'm hoping it's just the bruise that is pushing against the nerve. It's unfortunate because I really do like giving blood, but after this traumatic experience, I doubt I will ever be able to go back.

    Erin E.

    I love this American Red Cross center. Don't worry, I'll give you more detail than that, but I just wanted to get the obvious out of the way. First, be warned that this is NOT a regular blood donation center. They do not accept whole blood donations--which are the most common kind of donation where they just take a pint of your blood without separating anything out. They only collect plasma, platelets, and double red cells at this center. Second, be prepared to commit possibly two hours to each appointment, depending on which procedure you're doing. It takes about 30-45 minutes to complete the interview/checkup followed by hooking you up to the machines. I donate platelets, which takes me about an hour to complete (most people say it takes them about 1.5 hours to do this one). Plasma takes about the same amount of time, and the double red cell collection is the fastest at under an hour. Third, you may experience some bizarre effects during the process. Not painful or queasy feelings, just odd. When you donate platelets, they add an anti-coagulant to the blood that's put back in your body so no clots form while the platelets/plasma are extracted. The anti-coagulant makes me tingle all over and leaves a taste in my mouth that reminds me of visits to the dentist. The effects wear off pretty quickly once you're up and about again. That's all for the informational seminar. Now the fun stuff! The staff here is wonderful. They started recognizing me after my first visit and always seem happy to see me (and my platelets). They make you as comfortable as possible and respond immediately to any questions or problems you have. And they're very funny. Another thing I like about donating: free food and drink! You get your pick of sodas and juices along with whatever you want from the big basket o' snacks (which used to contain full-size candy, but now carries chips/cookies/pretzels/crackers exclusively due to budget cuts). Oh, and the staff opens all bottles and bags for you. And you can have however much you want! During the procedure you get to relax in very comfy Lay-Z-Boy recliners with heating pads. It tends to be cold in there (to keep the donations fresh, I suppose), but that's okay because they give you blankets fresh from a heating oven made especially for...blankets. There are also warming packs available for your hands if they get cold, like mine tend to do. I usually read during my donations, but you have the option of plugging into some headphones and watching DirectTV during your stay. All in all, it's definitely the cushiest set up available for making a huge difference to people in need in Boston. You can donate platelets every 2 weeks. I'm not sure about the frequency for plasma or double red cells as I only donate platelets (since my blood type, A+, is the universal donor for platelets). The bottom line: become a regular donor, get to know the incredible staff, eat some yummy free food, watch some TV, and save lives. It's that simple.

    Temp place for red cross
    Marsha W.

    The people are so awesome here. I wish I knew their names, but they are constantly there on the weekends when we stop by. My sister is a constant donor, so I'm sure she knows their name, but this place is great just for the people alone. They are so gracious for your donation, and makes you feel really great just being there. They also valet your parking ticket if you park next door. This place is a temporary holding ground for them while they get their center up and running, but that doesn't get this staff down as they are able to make a good thing out of anything. I have heard one time they had someone new do the needle and while my sister is a great test subject to do training, I would have been a bit squeamish. Make sure you tell them you would not like to be tested on if that is the case with you.

    Snack central! In a totally fair trade, you can give blood/platelets/plasma for free snacks. Hello Oreos!!

    This is a Red Cross center where you can donate blood, plasma, and platelets. The staff is super sweet and they recognize you quickly after your first donation. I've been giving here since 2015 and have yet to have a bad needle experience. They also have tons of blankets (warmed in an over like environment), heating pads, tums (in case you get the shakes/nausea) and snacks/juice post-donation. The chairs for platelet/plasma donation are all equipped with TVs containing Netflix and other apps for you to watch during donation. The center is kept cold bc of all the products so wear warm cloths and don't be afraid to ask for more blankets or a heating pad - they'll happily provide! Hot tip - have them put a blanket under you before you start to stay extra warm.

    See all

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Rocky W.
    425
    475
    13986

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Erin E.
    8
    66
    17

    18 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    18 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0

    17 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kim F.
    44
    18
    13

    13 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Abigail H.
    330
    119
    28

    15 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Gerard D.
    154
    75
    21

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    19 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    18 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ana G.
    0
    10
    0

    18 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    16 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Tony, Maria, and their entire staff will take good care of you. Whole blood, platelet apheresis, or double red, they're the best! Enjoy!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    17 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - American Red Cross

    Review Highlights - American Red Cross

    I donate whole blood and the whole process takes an hour from checking in to finish.

    Mentioned in 5 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Community Service/Non-Profit 3,843 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    American Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay Food Pantry - They have a plate showing what people are getting each pick up day

    American Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay Food Pantry

    (4 reviews)

    If you're looking to work hard as a volunteer, the American Red Cross Food Pantry is the place…read more Especially on days when they're distributing food to clients. I was here on a Wednesday morning. Including the other group of volunteers (that my group didn't know) I'd say there were about 25 of us. So if you're looking for a big group activity, distribution day is your ticket. And for the the 4ish hours that we were there, I think we were busy about 98% of the time.. which for those frequent volunteers out there.. isn't always the case on site. Just a little background, the food pantry is in Roxbury. Easily reachable by T or tons of buses. From their website, it says their clients include "senior citizen immigrants, single parents, families in transition, low-income families, homeless individuals, and those living with HIV." Those that qualify can come in for groceries once a month if they meet the USDA guidelines. They must present an ID for each member of the household. Being curious, I checked the USDA website and interestingly enough, post college and pre - full time job I could have qualified for food assistance. Hmm.. We arrived around 8 AM and the day started off with packing "wet bags". Those coming in for food get a wet bag (veggies/salad/etc.), a dry bag (cereal/pasta/Slim Jims/etc), a can bag (more veggies/tomato sauce/etc), and a protein (that day it was beef and whole turkeys for families of 2 or more). Families with babies may also qualify for baby food but everyone pretty much gets the same thing. Later on, I was in the distributing line. Clients check in to the computer and then they come over with a laminated card stating how many family members they have. So of course, the more family members.. the more bags. It can get a bit hectic and it takes some coordination but you get the hang of it. After 12PM, is lock down. Things get put away and the place gets a good sweeping. It was a very interesting experience. The people walking in didn't seem like they needed "assistance". It was generally a diverse population with mostly minorities but they weren't dressed in a certain way, a few had cars, and one guy was listening to an iPod. One of the coordinators said that people would come in and say that they just lost their job earlier that week or this little bit of groceries is what gets them by. Many come every month without fail. In these difficult times, I can definitely see how a few days of groceries can make all the difference. Especially for a family. The coordinators said they saw a record number of people this Thanksgiving. We actually served 400 people that day (and that doesn't include the 1-9+ family members they were picking up food for). So as you can see, every hour of your time can make a world of difference. You can volunteer by yourself or with a group. OR you can run a food drive at your school or job. See the website for details and contacts.

    Wow! I had a GREAT volunteer experience here. I went on a Wednesday morning from 8:30a-12 with…read moreBoston Cares. It's (the Red Cross Food Pantry) one of the most efficiently run, friendly, "helping" organizations I've seen. They get the people in and out QUICKLY, and with bags of NICE, QUALITY foods, not just some old beat up cans and a bag of beans. The Red Cross Staff is wonderful, and they will have something for you to do- be it helping to distribute bags of groceries, assisting with line control, packing bags, etc. They begin ON TIME, and end ON TIME If you need assistance, this is also a GREAT place to come. Not a lot of hassle, just basic stuff to be sure you need services, you're treated with friendliness and dignity, and as mentioned, you don't get crapola, you get GOOD, healthy food. In order to feed as many people as possible, you can only come once a month. 5 STARS! BRAVO, Red Cross!

    Diablo Glass School - Outside

    Diablo Glass School

    (50 reviews)

    They sold a me a gift card then went out of business and never refunded the money. Don't trust…read morethem. Ever!

    Something got me interested in glass blowing. I know myself, and I knew I probably wouldn't have…read moreheaps of fun... but it is something I wanted to experience for myself. After reading the reviews, I decided to go here. I took the glassblowing sampler, which serves as an introduction to the art. My two instructors were Matt and Pat. The first thing we did was go through the shop, and see what kinds of things they do. There were no visible sales tactics involved, more like a "this is what we do". Then we got to the room where the melted glass actually lives... now folks... they tell you to bring a bottle of water, bring one. Molten glass is incredibly hot, and therefore the room is too. They go over what we will be making, and how we will be making it, as well as things that could go wrong. In this glass we make paperweights. Then we go over safety and practice three times to make sure we got everything down. Yes, burns do happen, but they do everything they can to minimize the risk. When it is your turn, one of the instructors will be working with you one on one to guide you through the process, and ensure you don't get a burn from glass whose temperate well exceeds 1,000 degrees. However, this is where this place lost some stars. When it was my turn, Pat was the person working with me. While I appreciate his help, he did many things that were extra, and unrelated to safety, such as spinning the rod. While minor, and while I was the one manipulating the glass, I still felt it took away from the experience. It was more like me assisting him than him assisting me. You don't get the opportunity to "blow" into the glass in this class, but it was demonstrated to us at the end. Some more notes: Instructors were fairly chill, but no-nonsense dudes. When you have molten glass, joking around is very dangerous. The owner has a great sense of humor! And finally, molten glass is very viscous. It is not as easy to manipulate as it looks. In conclusion: if I had enjoyed glass blowing, I would return here. But, alas, I found it was not for me. Definitely worth it for the experience though!

    American Red Cross - nonprofit - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...