How to educate children on how important blood donations are in emergencies and medical procedures, giving them a way to help fulfill the ever going need to keep blood supplies at high levels, and giving kids a thank-you activity where they can just have fun seemed like a tall order. But the American Red Cross and Menominee Elementary joined forces to make all three things happen.
On October 7, Menominee Elementary hosted a blood drive where they were able to collect their goal of 45 units from parents, family members and friends of the school’s students.
On Wednesday, October 22, the 32 students who had someone donate blood during the drive were given the opportunity to “pouf” Menominee Principal, Steven Boyer, and four classroom teachers. The “poufs” were bath loofahs covered in flour that the kids tossed towards the willing targets. The school’s PTO came up with the original idea to use the “poufs”.
Along with Boyer, teachers Ryan Anderson (2nd grade); Hillary Hopple (4th grade); Nikki Horner (3rd grade); and Diane Lawson (art) put on their “protective gear” to join in the fun.
Boyer said, “We wanted the kids to take part in a service project and this was a good fit.” “It was a great opportunity, especially just before the fall break, to have 30 or so minutes of fun.”
According to Dianna Weiss, donor recruitment representative for the Red Cross, the units collected during the drive has the potential to save up to 135 lives. Weiss had spent time with each grade at Menominee educating them on the importance and impact of blood donations.
Washington Discovery Academy will host a blood drive on November 20 from 12:30-6:00. Anyone wishing to donate can make an appointment by visiting redcrossblood.org and entering sponsor code “washdisacademy”.
Carol Anders Correspondent
