Pattonville students donate blood to American Red Cross

Pattonville students donated blood to the American Red Cross during a blood drive on Feb. 23 hosted by Key Club.

More than 30 students donated blood during the full-day event. For many, it was their first time; however, others do it every year.

Senior Nadia Maddex has donated blood five times since her sophomore year of high school.

“I choose to donate blood every year because I have O-Negative (O-) which is one of the rarest blood types to have and it can be transplanted to anyone,” Maddex said.

Donating blood is important to Maddex, and she knows the importance of donating.

“In winter, I know there are a lot of blood shortages, so I try my best to give as much blood as I can,” Maddex said. “If you have the opportunity to make a difference to change someone’s life, then you should.”