Brock Gardipee isn’t just staying busy — he’s making a difference.

The Helena High School junior recently hosted his first Red Cross blood drive after being inspired by a passion rooted in personal experience, education and a determination to support others.

“We have such a great community here, and I just want to be a part of it any way I could,” he said. “I've seen the effects blood donation has on the people around us, and I've met people that it's affected for the better.”

His motivation grew from what he learned in biology class, especially about the challenges faced by people with cystic fibrosis.

“That's where it kind of led off for me. It’s super scary and imagine if they didn't have the blood they need. And that would be terrifying,” he said. “So, I was like, I gotta help out any way I could.”

His biology teacher solidified that purpose: “Nobody cares until it happens to them.”

For Brock, that message stuck.

“I want to make sure that people have the blood they need and it's always available to them.”

He was also inspired by the story of Troy Ross, a young boy who needed lifesaving blood transfusions at just 2 years old.

“I met him the first time I was donating blood, and I was amazed by his story,” he said. “It showed me the real impact.”

Outside of hosting his first blood drive, Brock is a powerhouse of academic involvement and community leadership.

“Our school has such great people, and our teachers are amazing. Unfortunately, our building isn't doing the best,” he said. “That's why I'm working as a student representative on the school board to help pass a bond for a new school.

He’s also vice president of HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America), a Link Crew leader, a member of National Honor Society, and a four-year varsity soccer player. He’s also coached two youth soccer teams through the YMCA.

“I just love being a part as much as I can. I don't like being bored.

Brock’s taken what he’s learned in the classrooms to create positive change in his community. A recent experience at his job came full circle when he helped a patient who didn’t speak English.

“I got to use my Spanish knowledge in order to help him around the whole office, and it was just so great,” he recalled.

Brock enjoys seeing the impact his donation had through the Red Cross Blood Donor Blood Journey app feature, which shows where his blood was needed.

“It's so cool seeing where it goes,” he said. “I like when it goes out of state, too. It's my favorite.”

Brock can’t give blood, but he’s found purpose in organizing a drive for others.

He hopes others his age consider rolling up a sleeve to save a life at blood drives like his.

“It’s amazing what we can do,” he said. “I think everyone else should know about this and then feel like they can do something.”

While Brock set out to collect 25 units of blood at his drive, he surpassed his goal with 29 units donated and welcomed nine first-time donors.