Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
MaryEll Kohl of Surprise helped save lives by hosting an American Red Cross blood drive this summer and earned a $1,000 scholarship as a result of her lifesaving efforts.
As part of the Red Cross Leaders Save Lives program, the Shelby-Rising City High School senior hosted a blood drive at the Legion Hall on July 20, 2016, which collected 40 blood donations. As a result, Kohl was entered in a drawing to win a college scholarship and was chosen as a winner. Kohl was also awarded a gift card.
After high school, Kohl plans to enter the Bryan College of Health cardiac sonography program in Lincoln. Kohl said her experience with the Red Cross helped her gain some insight into the medical field.
“I was very excited and grateful that I had the opportunity to help host the blood drive,” Kohl said.
Blood donors from high school and college blood drives account for about 20 percent of donations given through the Red Cross during the school year. Many of these blood donors do not give during the summer months and the winter holidays when school is not in session, and when blood shortages can occur. The Leaders Save Lives program encourages community-minded 16- to 24-year-old students to host blood drives to help maintain the blood supply during these crucial times of the year. Students who participate as a blood drive coordinator are eligible to win a scholarship for higher education and to earn a gift card.
Students can sign up now to participate in the Leaders Save Lives program this winter break, Dec. 15, 2016, through Jan. 15, 2017. More information is available at redcrossblood.org/leaderssavelives.
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.