Students, staff and community members recently stopped into the Cato-Meridian Junior-Senior High School gymnasium to donate blood for an American Red Cross Blood Drive, sponsored by the National Honor Society chapter.

Per the American Red Cross, blood donations help those battling cancer, accident and burn victims, and other patients of all ages. Donors are tested for their blood type and fill out an extensive health questionnaire, which can help them become more informed about their bodies.

For their winter project, National Honor Society members organized and promoted the blood drive to give back to their community. They reached out to the American Red Cross to get the process started.

“On the American Red Cross website, there’s a portal where you can request to host a blood drive. I did that, they reached out and said, ‘let’s make it happen,” said Sophia Zogby. “It’s about giving back to the community and saving lives.”

“I also hope this helps bring blood drives back to Cato-Meridian because we haven’t had one in a couple of years,” added Sophia Kelly.

During the drive, National Honor Society members were pleased to see several walk-ins in addition to those who had previously scheduled appointments. After giving blood, donors received water, snacks, and a t-shirt.