LIBERTY—Liberty High will be hosting a blood drive this Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. sponsored by the Liberty High School JROTC and the Blood Connection.

School officials are asking the community to get involved.

“We’re trying to reach out to the adults in the community to come out and give blood,” said Major Ben Ivey. “You can call the office and sign up for a time, or you can walk in.”

Anyone 16 years or older can give blood, but 16-year olds must have a permission slip filled out by a parent or guardian. Donors must weigh at least 100 pounds.

The drive will take place in the auxiliary gym at the high school.

“We usually do two drives, but we are trying to do three this year,” said Ivey. “It’s just to help save lives. For some time there has been a blood shortage at the blood bank. We never know when we may need it ourselves. We’re just trying to help the community out and we’re trying to save lives. One pint of blood could save up to three lives.”

Ivey says functions like this one help the members of JROTC learn valuable life lessons.

“It helps the JROTC to be involved in making a difference in other people’s lives,” said Ivey. “This is one of the many things that we do, but we do this to help them realize how important it is to help other people.”

Ivey says he would encourage everyone in the community to give a little bit of their Thursday up for a worthy cause.

“Once you do it, it makes you feel good,” said Ivey. “One hour of your time to give one pint of blood might help save up to three lives.”

For more information, call 864-397-2633.