Vancleave High School gives back through community blood drive

VANCLEAVE, Miss. (WXXV)- Every drop counts and on Wednesday, Vancleave High School was working to make a difference.

Students, staff, and community members took part in a large-scale blood drive aimed at saving lives and supporting scholarship opportunities for students.

Vancleave High School turned its campus into a blood donation center with a big goal in mind.

For students and staff, the drive was about more than just reaching a number. Donated blood can help patients in hospitals and people facing medical emergencies, making each donation an important part of the community’s blood supply. VHS Senior Audri Parnell said, “I think our blood drive is a phenomenal thing, we all come together like one big family to hit our goal each and every year. It’s one of the biggest blood drives that a high school has hosted in the state of Mississippi and it’s a wonderful event. We somehow achieve our goals each year and I don’t have a doubt that we will achieve it again this year.”

The drive also connects to a scholarship program, giving students another reason to get involved and help support blood donation efforts. VHS Senior Holden Evans said, “So, every year we meet our goals, 700 pints we get eight $1,000 scholarships for seniors. Those are cash scholarships, so whether you’re going to the workforce or you’re going to college you get $1,000 cash to eight seniors every year.”

VHS Senior Braelin Swetman said, “I just think there are people out there that just don’t have enough blood. So, as a community, we’re giving our own blood to help those people that need blood.”

First Baptist is also planning additional blood drives throughout the year, providing more opportunities for people to roll up their sleeves and donate.