DES MOINES, Iowa – Volunteers are the heart of The Blood Center of Iowa. Without those who help to recruit volunteers, organize blood drives and donate their blood to patients in need, The Blood Center could not fulfill its mission of supplying blood and blood products to 49 hospitals in 44 Iowa counties.

The volunteer spirit was truly evident at the Centerville High School blood drive held on Wednesday, May 7.

Many responded to the call to donate blood with 108 students and staff registering to give blood. The center collected 74 pints of blood, which will help make a difference in the lives of 222 hospital patients in need.

There were 53 first time donors. We would like to recognize the blood donors who made a valuable contribution to the local community by participating in this event. The Blood Center of Iowa would like to commend the CHS Student Council students for their significant contribution to the blood drive.

Laura De Prizio and Catherine Lechtenberg played an important role in motivating volunteers and organizing the event.

The Blood Center of Iowa would also like to thank Principal Bill Messerole for his support of blood donation by allowing the drive to happen at the school.

Students donating at the drive included:

Aaron Beeson, Alexandria Cochran, Allison Berner, Amie Hall, Andre Ruby, Anna Terrell, Aryon Shondel, Ashton Thomas, Austin Hoffman, Austin Faoro, Bailey Poolman, Breanna Bowlden, Brendyn Hawkins, Brittani Hedgecock, Brittany Foster, Brooke Bige, Camela Hill, Christopher Lee, Coady Mobley, Courtney Deputy, Crystal Maldonado, Devon Wagner, Dylan Irwin, Evelyn Waggoner, Felicia Medina, Heaven Wray and Holly Hilty.

Also, Jason Harwell, Jay Schmidt, Jaylon Burgin, Jessica Childers, Jessica Cossolotto, Jessica Mulay, Johnathan Irwin, Jordan Stevens-Davis, Joseph Appler, Joshua Condra, Justin Mall, Kaitlin Phillips, Kasandra Mc­Dan­el, Katelyn Dekker, Katherine Hunt, Katherine Seddon, Katie Berner, Kelsie Johnson, Kristen Spurgeon, Lacey Kauzlar­ich, Madison Sherwood, Melaine Hermon, Morgan Burch, Morgan Thomas, Nathaniel Brandt and Nicole Buban.

Also, Nicole Tait, Owen Stickler, Paige Chandler, Patrick Harshman, Phillip Kelderman, Rebecca Cossolotto, Rhonda Raskie, Roman Royer, Samantha Buban, Samantha Cossolotto, Samantha McCal­eb, Sara Walker, Sarah Belloma, Savannah Drake and Seth Thomas.

Also, Sheila Aldrich, Stephanie Walker, Steph­anie Shore, Tabitha Farris, Taylor Armington, Tesa Hinton, Tonya Henkle, Trent McMahon, Wallace Carter III, Zeth Finch, Chel­sea Garretson, Dan­yell Clark, Emily Laehn Ethan Moorman and Jonathan Houser.

Also, Karis Overturf, Matthew Bowlden, Meg­hann Crow, Melissa Thomas, Michael England, Teigen Carel, Tyler Gray Bryson Dinwiddie, Austin Osborne, Tricia Schwering, Timara Ekstein, Nathan Robinson and Saira Jarmamillo.