Jessy Davidson, a student at MacArthur High School in Levittown, organized and held a blood drive at the John Theissen Children’s Foundation on Wantagh Ave. this past weekend.
Davidson, a junior, hopes to earn a small college scholarship through the New York Blood Center Bloodstock Scholarship Program by hosting this blood drive. If at least 30 donors come through, she will qualify for the scholarship.
Anyone who is in high school is able to participate in this scholarship, according to Davidson.
“If I get 30 donors, I receive $250 towards college,” Davidson said. “If I get 50 donors, I receive $500”
Davidson expressed her thanks to all of the people who came out to donate, and she hopes to hold another one in the future.
She previously held a blood drive, for her 16th birthday in August last year, and plans to hold another one for her birthday this year.
“I hope to also hold more blood drives next year, when I will be a senior, to make some money for college,” Davidson said.
Once she is in college, Davidson aspires to study to become an athletic trainer and then go into physical therapy. Her interest in this field was sparked from being involved in sports her whole life.
Due to all of the snowstorms, many blood drives had to be cancelled, according to Davidson’s mother, Mindy Davidson. “Because of all of the cancellations, there is a great need for donations,” she said.
In order to find people to participate in her blood drive, Davidson created fliers that she handed out in school. She also put the information on social media, various email lists, as well as put advertisements in The Levittown Tribune.
Long Island Blood Services brought a bloodmobile, located in the parking lot behind the John Theissen Children’s Foundation, which was where the donors had their blood taken.
John Theissen Children’s Foundation helps sponsor children in need whose families are experiencing financial hardships, especially during the holiday seasons.
”During Christmastime, they donate tons and tons of toys to give to local hospitals and children in need,” explained Davidson. “If children are cancer patients, or have a bad family life, they hold parties here. They also collect books and school supplies to give away.”
Just like the John Theissen Children’s Foundation, Davidson enjoys helping people in need. “I know if I ever needed blood I would want someone to donate it to me,” she said. “People don’t realize how great of a need it is.”
