2014 blood drive with Westfield Technical Academy Students and United Way of Pioneer Valley (UWPV)’s Youth Generate program. (Submitted photo)
WESTFIELD – Westfield Technical Academy Students with United Way of Pioneer Valley (UWPV)’s Youth Generate program have organized a blood drive with the Red Cross this Thursday April 26, 7:30am-3:00pm, at Westfield Technical Academy.
Youth Generate challenges young people across the region to imagine what they can do as volunteers to help their neighbors and improve their communities. The Westfield Vocational Students’ solution was to host this blood drive, at a time when blood supplies are critically low. For other groups of young people, projects have included park cleanups, senior citizen services, and donation drives for underprivileged youths.
Youth Generate student volunteers are managing the event, and registering donors. The general public is invited to donate, in order to increase the preparedness of local hospitals.
UWPV has sponsored the spring blood drive (one of two bi-annual blood drives) for the past five years, as part of its general mission to secure the basic needs of the community, and promote youth volunteerism. UWPV, through Youth Generate and other volunteer programs, promotes profound positive change in the community by uniting individuals to accomplish more together.
“This event is always a great success in the community,” says Volunteer Coordinator Chris Woods. “In the past, blood that’s been donated from this event has been used to save approximately 130 lives!”
If you are interested in learning more about Youth Generate or other UWPV volunteer opportunities, please visit: uwpv.org/volunteer
