CENTRAL HIGH HOPES TO REMAIN STATEWIDE BLOOD DRIVE CHAMPS

Students at Cape Girardeau Central High School hope to retain their state-wide title as top high school blood collectors.

The Student Council is holding its annual blood drive Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the auditorium. Anyone in the community may give; every pint collected counts toward the goal.

The goal for the drive is officially 320 pints; but students Sean Byrd and William Campbell said they really hope to collect at least 400 pints.

The school collected 369 units at the drive held last spring.

"This is a statewide competition," said Campbell. "But at this point it's really a school spirit thing. We have won for several years. We have kind of set the state standard."

Byrd added, "We're fighting for bragging rights."

The student's top contender is Fox High School in Arnold, near St. Louis.

"Usually if we can beat Fox, we can win," Campbell said.

"We like the competition," Campbell said, "but this is also something we can do to help the community."

To encourage donations, students will be awarding prizes hourly. Two grand prizes are also being given away to students who donate: $100 cash and a color television set.

Blood donors must be at least 17 years of age and weigh at least 110 pounds.

"We (students) couldn't do it alone. If it wasn't for the community helping us we couldn't beat that record."

Students are making posters and contacting businesses to generate support for the blood drive.

Food and drink will be available. Those planning to give blood are asked to eat breakfast.