Hosting a Red Cross blood drive is an experience this high school senior recommends

by Mary Brant, Northern New England Regional Communications Manager

When it came time to pick his senior project Bedford High School student, Andrew Soden, knew what he wanted to do.

Andrew was raised in a family that stressed the importance of public service. He also knew that his mother had dealt with medical conditions early in her life that required multiple blood transfusions. Thanks to generous volunteer donors that blood was available when she needed it. Andrew reached out to the American Red Cross of Northern New England and volunteered to host a blood drive.

He worked closely with his Red Cross recruiter, Ray, to find a location for the drive and volunteers to help manage it. Andrew was active on both Facebook and Instagram and set about promoting awareness of both his drive and the constant need for blood donors.

He asked Ray for a challenge so the goal for the drive was set to collect 25 pints of lifesaving blood. Only three percent of the U.S. population donates blood, yet there is no other source than healthy volunteer donors. Because of Andrew’s commitment, and the support of his local community in New Hampshire, the final number came in at 34 pints of lifesaving blood - excellent results for a first-time drive.

“Planning this blood drive really taught me what a challenge the Red Cross faces every day to keep blood on the shelves,” said Andrew. “It was hard work, but it was also gratifying to meet so many incredible donors who were there just because they wanted to help. Hosting a blood drive is an experience that I strongly recommend to anyone looking for a way to help their community. And, I promise, it will make you feel good as well!”

If you are interested in hosting a blood drive, visit redcrossbloog.org for more information. 

If you are interested in hosting a blood drive, visit redcrossblood.org for more information.