Local residents have an especially convenient opportunity to donate blood, thanks to St. Margaret’s School. The community service organization, Basic Needs, is holding a blood drive on Wednesday, May 21 from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Ball Memorial Gymnasium on Water Lane.

“Donating blood does so much good for humanity,” said Basic Needs Co-Chair Meghan Cooke of Tappahannock. “If a person is healthy, their blood can help saves lives.” Indeed, according to ViAnn Farmer, the organization’s faculty sponsor and Director of Studies at St. Margaret’s, “every two seconds someone needs blood and a single donation of whole blood can help save up to three lives.”

This marks the ninth consecutive year that St. Margaret’s has worked with the American Red Cross to sponsor a blood drive. The goal this year is to collect 40 pints, but Farmer is hopeful that together, members of the school and community can exceed it.

According to the Red Cross, most people at least 17 years old and over qualify to give blood if they weigh at least 110 pounds and have not donated within the last 56 days. Donations are collected by health care professionals, using sterile supplies, to ensure the safety of both the donor and the blood supply. For more facts about donor eligibility and the blood donation process, visit www.givelife.org   

For questions about the SMS blood drive, contact ViAnn Farmer at 443-3357.