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 12 from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the St. Margaret’s School Ball Memorial Gymnasium on Water Lane.

This marks the eighth year that SMS has worked with the American Red Cross to help ensure a sufficient blood supply for area hospitals. Students hope that this year’s theme, “Would you give your right arm to save a life?” will challenge potential donors to consider how this small gesture can significantly impact the community.

“Those who donate blood selflessly become the heroes of complete strangers,” said Basic Needs Co-Chair Michelle Burch, a senior from Burgess, VA. “It is vital that people continue giving so that those whom they help can go on enjoying life.” 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 get plenty of sleep the night before their donation and have a healthy breakfast or lunch, with fluids like water, milk, or juice ahead of time. 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.weneedblood.org   For questions about the SMS blood drive, contact ViAnn Farmer at 443-3357 x3053.