A school blood drive organized by Ms. Watts seeks to increase community involvement, offer community service hours, and help meet a goal of 50 students donating blood with the red cross.

Ms. Watts said the event provides “a meaningful way to contribute while fulfilling one hour of community service”. she explained that donors must be at least 16 years old, and submit a permission slip. Height and weight requirements also determine eligibility for donation.

To encourage participation, the Red Cross is offering a $15 Amazon gift card to each donor however, Ms. Watts noted that the most significant challenge remains recruiting enough students. “The biggest hardest part about the blood drive is getting people to donate blood,” she said,  emphasizing the ongoing need for community support.

Ms. Watts highlighted the potential impact of each contribution. “ you  can save three people with one donation,” she said. She also reminded students to stay hydrated  and eat beforehand. Although some donors may feel lightheaded, she explained  that severe reactions are uncommon when proper preparation is followed.

Ms. Watts also emphasized the educational value of the event, noting that the drive helps students understand how community health systems operate. She said the experience shows students the real-world impact of civic responsibility and demonstrates how even small individual actions can contribute to broader public needs.

With its service opportunities, incentives, and life savings potential, the blood drive underscores the importance of student engagement. Ms. Watts hopes meeting the 50 unit goal will strengthen community ties and inspire more students to  participate in future donation efforts.