Unlike school, patient needs don’t take a break. To encourage blood drives when school is out of session the American Red Cross asks high school and college students to join the Leaders Save Lives scholarship program. In return, each student receives an opportunity to win a scholarship, a meaningful leadership experience, a gift card and the satisfaction of knowing they helped save a life.
This year’s scholarship winner Josie Peters of Clifton, Ill, joined the program because she wanted to make a difference in her community. Peters hosted a blood drive this past summer, which collected more than 150 blood donations, earning her a $2,500 scholarship.
When Peters found out that she won the scholarship she felt an enormous amount of gratitude. She encourages other students to host a blood drive, and tells them to think personally about the people they know and love.
“Anything can happen to anyone where they may be in direct need of blood. It may not be your friend or family member that needs blood, but it is someone’s loved one that you would be helping by hosting a drive,” said Peters.
This winter students can sign up to participate in the Leaders Save Lives program Dec. 15, 2018, through Jan. 15, 2019. In addition to earning an opportunity to win a Red Cross scholarship those who host a blood drive that achieves its donation goal in December or January will receive a certificate and recognition on RedCrossBlood.org.
Blood drive hosts are currently needed this winter. 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 when school is not in session including winter holidays when an overall decline in donations can often occur. The Leaders Save Lives program encourages community-minded high school and college students to host blood drives to help maintain the blood supply during these crucial times of the year.
Learn more about Leaders Save Lives
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
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