Cierra Crowe, a Register teen, has learned a valuable lesson in the art of giving.
“I was searching for scholarship opportunities online last spring and found the American Red Cross BloodStock scholarship,” Crowe said. “I decided to participate in the BloodStock scholarship because I enjoy planning and organizing events, especially those that benefit others.”
“Of course, the most important reason to donate blood is to help save lives,” she continued. “There is always a need for blood, but there is a much higher demand during the summer months.”
Crowe was given the opportunity of organizing her blood drive at her home church, Statesboro First Baptist. Nancy Martin, the senior account manager with American Red Cross Blood Services, helped Crowe with the planning process.
“My experience in working with the (Red Cross) was a very positive one,” Crowe said. “Planning and organizing the blood drive was very exciting, and the support from my local church was tremendous.”
For her efforts, Crowe, a junior at Southeast Bulloch High School, was recently awarded the BloodStock scholarship. According to Kristen Stancil, the communications program manager for the American Red Cross in Georgia, “Cierra hosted a blood drive at Statesboro First Baptist on May 7, 2013. She was projected to collect 50 pints of blood and exceeded that goal by one pint. As a result, Cierra was entered to win a $2,000 college scholarship.”
Crowe recently learned that she was randomly selected as the winner of that scholarship, along with a $50 gift card.
The BloodStock Scholarship Challenge gives student blood drive coordinators a chance to gain meaningful leadership and community service experience. Students work hand in hand with a local Red Cross representative and participate in the planning and recruitment meetings while leading a team of recruiters.
“A successful blood drive can help ensure a safe blood supply for local hospital patients,” Stancil said.
Crowe said: “In order to have a successful blood drive, you need to be willing to contact family and friends and post flyers in your community. The ARC also provides a list of donors who have been faithful to give in the past. You must be willing to call/text/email potential donors and ask for help from your local church, school, or civic organization.”
She encouraged those who have never given blood “to donate because the one pint they give helps save three other lives. When you think of helping others, overcoming your fears or giving up an hour of your time should not hold you back.”
Crowe’s future plans include attending college and becoming a missionary to serve others wherever God leads her.
HOW TO DONATE BLOOD
Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit www.redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more info. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. Individuals who are 17 years old (16 with parental permission) and weigh at least 110 pounds are encouraged to donate.