Paxton Mitties of North Bend helped save lives by hosting an American Red Cross blood drive and earned a $1,500 scholarship as a result of her lifesaving efforts.
As part of the Red Cross Leaders Save Lives program, the North Bend Central student hosted a blood drive on July 13, which collected 71 blood donations. As a result, Mitties was eligible to be entered into a drawing for a scholarship and was chosen as a winner. Mitties was also awarded a gift card.
“I decided to host a Leaders Save Lives blood drive because every drive matters,” said Mitties. “My parents always donated, and I began donating when I turned 16.”
Mitties, who plans to study physical therapy in college, was surprised to learn she had won the Red Cross scholarship.
“I was beyond astonished, and I couldn’t wait to tell my parents,” she said. “I will forever be thankful to the Red Cross, and I can’t wait to continue donating throughout my life.”
The Leaders Save Lives program encourages community-minded high school and college students to host blood drives to help maintain the blood supply for patients in need of lifesaving transfusions.
Students can sign up to host Leaders Save Lives blood drives during seasonal timeframes throughout the year. For more information, visit RedCrossBlood.org/LeadersSaveLives.
