Pottstown Students Help Miller Keystone Blood Center

From Pottstown School District Director of Community Relations John J. Armato:

Pottstown High School students and staff recently partnered with the Miller Keystone Blood Center to help save 444 lives. 

Three blood drives were organized by the high school student government and health occupations classes with the assistance of sponsor Mark Agnew.  

“The students have really stepped it up this year," Agnew said. "This is the third blood drive and the turnout was outstanding. They keep coming and giving. This is an excellent opportunity for our students to show gratitude to the community.”

Student donor Chris Marcelli shared his thoughts about the campaign.

“It feels good to be able to help someone in a time of need," Marcelli said. "I really do not like needles at all but the good feeling I get from knowing that I am helping others gets me through it.”

Students and staff had a special treat at the spring donation with a visit from the Miller Keystone mascot Buddy.  

The mascot was on hand to provide encouragement and enthusiasm to the donors.

Carol Graves of Miller Keystone Blood Center praised the students and staff for their help.

“This year the total number of donors was 201 and cumulatively we collected 148 units of blood," she said.  

The donation helped save 444 lives this year. 

High schools in the Miller Keystone area collect about 20 percent of the blood center’s inventory during the school year. 

Miller Keystone Blood Center is the sole supplier of blood and blood products to the Pottstown Memorial Medical Center and 23 other Pa. and N.J. hospitals. 

Learn more at www.giveapint.org.

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