SALINEVILLE – The Southern Local High School National Honor Society is planning to hold the first of two blood drives this school year with a collection set for Dec. 9.

School and community members are being asked to “give something that means something” this holiday season and help save lives. NHS Advisor Robert Shansky said the student organization will hold the event in conjunction with the American Red Cross and itwill take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the school gym, which is located at 38095 State Route 39 in Salineville.

“[NHS members] will take care of registering people and walk-ins are accepted,” Shansky said, adding that Red Cross personnel will conduct the blood collection. “We’ll do another campaign in March.”

He added that each drive aims to collect 30 units of viable blood, which will then be used to help people requiring surgery and transfusions to cancer treatment. Donors must be at least 16 years of age and meet specific eligibility requirements to contribute. Participants have the option of donating whole blood or completing the Power Red contribution that collects red cells but returns most of the plasma and platelets to the donor. They may also use the Rapid Pass on the day of the drive to answer questions and reduce their wait time.

Meanwhile, NHS members may also be eligible for Red Cross scholarships for participating in the events, while donors may also receive a $15 Amazon gift card by email at rcblood.org/gifts.

To make an appointment, call 1 (800) RED-CROSS, go to RedCrossBlood.org and enter Sponsor Keyword: southernlocal or download the blood donor app. Shansky may also be contacted at (330) 679-2305, Ext. 4002, for more information.