Ashley Creighton assists Misty Jackson in saving lives by giving blood at the largest single day high school blood drive in the state, held at RHS Feb. 17.

The National Honor Society at Russellville High School hosted its annual American Red Cross blood drive Feb. 17 – known as the largest single-day high school blood drive in the state.

The RHS gym was packed with people giving blood, and the walls were lined with people waiting their turn to save lives. NHS students helped direct the activities, from signing people in, to leading them to available cots, to bringing donors food and drink.

NHS sponsor Rachelle Carroll said the community has always been supportive of this drive over the years, and this year was no different. According to figures provided by the American Red Cross, 330 pints of blood were collected – each pint potentially saving three lives.

Blood drives began at the school in 2003, and more than 2,000 pints of blood have been collected.

“I do it yearly, whenever they do the blood drive,” said Zane Pounders, RHS alum. Between being a parent and working, Pounders said it can be hard to find time to give back and help the community. Giving blood offers that opportunity. “It’s a pretty easy way to give back. It’s a way to help other people out.”