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STEUBENVILLE -- The Steubenville High School NIKE Club is setting its third blood drive on April 19, and members are seeking support from the school and community.
The organization is once again joining forces with the American Red Cross for the event, which will be held in the new gym from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. NIKE Club members will register donors and provide refreshments at the canteen under the supervision of American Sign Language teacher Jessica Chesslar while Red Cross medical staff will handle the collection.
Donors must be at least 16 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds and be healthy to participate. Anyone who turns 16 years old on or before that date is eligible to contribute and may register and select a donation time; however, walk-ins are also accepted. Those who are an eligible type O, B or A- may consider making a Power Red donation since red blood cells are most commonly used for blood transfusions. The collection enables the Red Cross to replenish its supply and is used within the greater Allegheny area.
Adviser Katrina Morrow said it was the first time the group was conducting a third event under her tenure. The organization has sponsored a biannual event each fall and spring, with the latter held in February for the past two years.
"So far, the previous two blood drives collected 57 units, which is the highest total unit collection in my eight years as coordinator," she said.
Morrow added that it not only helps save lives but also earns one $250 American Red Cross scholarship for a graduating SHS senior. The upcoming campaign would aid others in need of medical care and also benefit another soon-to-be-alum.
"We are hosting a third blood drive to hopefully get enough units so that we are able to give a second scholarship to a graduating senior who has donated blood this school year," she continued.
The NIKE Club is an all-female organization which includes 40 members in grades nine through 12. Named for the Greek goddess, its purpose is to build connections with each other as well as the Ohio Valley Business and Professional Women's organization. The student group volunteers for community service including concession stands during school games, events at the high school and other Steubenville City Schools and in the community.
Half of the concession stand proceeds help fund two scholarships each year while the members' volunteer hours go toward academic letters and senior Capstone community service projects. This will be the final NIKE Club event, but an end-of-year dinner is eyed in the coming weeks to bid farewell to graduating members and swear in new officers for the 2023-24 school year.
For information or to register for the blood drive, contact (800) RED-CROSS (800) 733-2767) or go to https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=BigRed.