The Franklin Park Middle School seventh grade reached its goal of 100 units of blood at its 20th annual blood drive on Tuesday.
Seventh-grade science teacher Joni Dorff has headed the drive all 20 years and says this is the first time they have reached the milestone.
“The kids did an awesome job. I’m so excited. This is a great night. We are already done at 5 pm tonight turning people away so it was excellent. The kids said 96 people were coming but work schedules and people get sick so I wasn’t sure if that was going to happen. But the line was out the door, the chairs were full, and kids were calling and texting on their lunch hour reminding them. So I had a really good feeling.”
And Dorff says the 7th graders will be rewarded for all their hard work.
“March 17th they are going to get their half-day movie day with refreshments. We are going to be giving out awards for those who brought in the most donors and the people who brought in at least 3 donors will receive earbuds. And other prizes like hats and socks and such.”
One of the seventh graders that led the effort was Kenzie Casburn who says breaking the record is a big deal.
“It means a lot because we tried to beat the whole history of 7th grade. And now we get to have a party on St Patrick’s Day.”
Those who were turned away from the Franklin Park drive due to the Red Cross running out of supplies are encouraged to come to the Salem Community Drive next Wednesday, February 15th. It will be held at the Salem Community Activity Center from noon to six.
