While many students were enjoying a holiday break from school this winter, Danny Williamson of Mt. Gilead was planning to help save lives by hosting an American Red Cross blood drive. The Mt. Gilead High School senior earned a $1,000 scholarship as a result of his efforts.
As part of the Red Cross Leaders Save Lives program, Williamson hosted a blood drive at the Mt. Gilead Church of Christ on Jan. 3. The blood drive was successful, bringing in 25 blood donations, exactly meeting its goal. As a result, Williamson was entered to win a college scholarship and was chosen as a winner.
Williamson, who plans to attend college after he graduates high school, found the experience of hosting a blood drive rewarding and educational. “I gained a feeling of pride and accomplishment knowing that people would be helped from this blood drive,” he said. “Giving blood can help save lives. It doesn’t hurt and you’re doing a good thing when you give.”
Registration is now available for the summer 2017 program, which will award scholarships to 10 student participants. More information is available at redcrossblood.org/leaderssavelives.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit
redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit
redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit
redcross.org or
cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at
@RedCross.
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