Local residents have a convenient opportunity to donate blood, thanks to St. Margaret’s School. The student community service organization, Basic Needs, is holding an American Red Cross blood drive on Thursday, April 27 from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the school’s Water Lane campus.

This marks the seventh year that SMS has worked with the American Red Cross to help ensure a blood supply for area hospitals. Students hope that this year’s theme, “You thought they’d give… they thought you’d give,” will make potential donors consider how the community’s well being is everyone’s responsibility.

“Blood truly is the gift of life, and most of us who are healthy can give it,” said Basic Needs Co-Chair Sarah Reilly. The senior from Bruington recently got a first-hand look at how essential blood is when she did a two-week internship through the SMS Independent Study Program at a Fredericksburg hematology and oncology clinic.

According to the Red Cross, most people aged 17 and over qualify to give blood if they weigh at least 110 pounds and have not donated within the last 56 days. Health care professionals collect donations using sterile equipment to ensure the safety of both the donor and the blood supply.

The Red Cross advises donors to drink plenty of water starting the day before they donate, and to eat before they come to donate. Donors will need to bring a photo ID or blood donor card. For more facts about donor eligibility and the blood donation process, visit www.redcross.org/midatlanticblood For questions about the SMS blood drive, contact ViAnn Farmer at 443-3357 x3053.