Eagle Scout project on Feb. 17 seeks to save lives

As the final step in his pursuit of becoming an Eagle Scout, Shepard High School senior Noah Treat has organized a community health and wellness fair to secure life-saving donations of blood, bone marrow (by a cheek swab) and organ donor commitments.

"My goal is to impact over 180 lives by this project, and I need your help. If the last time you donated blood was before December 22, 2019, please donate this Presidents’ Day," he said.

The fair will happen on Monday, Feb. 17 from 1 to 7 p.m. at the Palos Heights Recreation Center, 6601 W. 127th Street.

For those unable to donate blood, they can have a cheek swab for bone marrow screening and/or even sign up for organ donation.

Both on-line sign-ups and walk-ins accepted. To make an on-line appointment for blood draw go to www.vitalant.org and go to “Make an appointment” then scroll down to the bottom and use “986B” as the group code.

The fair also accept walk-ins. No appointment is needed to become a bone marrow registrant or organ donor registrant.

Bone marrow registrations are by a cheek swab and for people 18 – 44 years old.