Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
Carley Nelson of North Bend 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 University of Nebraska-Kearney student hosted a blood drive at the North Bend City Auditorium on July 14, 2016, which collected 92 blood donations. As a result, Nelson was entered in a drawing to win a college scholarship and was chosen as a winner. Nelson was also awarded a gift card.
Nelson encourages everyone to donate blood. “It’s easy and you feel like you’ve made a difference,” she said. She also has a personal connection to blood donation which keeps her focused.
“My grandpa has received blood, so I try to think of him while I donate,” Nelson 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.