St. Francis High School will sponsor its annual American Red Cross Bloodmobile from 8 am to 2 pm on Friday, February 29, 2008 in the Activity Center of Justin Hall on the school's campus in Athol Springs, NY.

Everyone in the South Towns community is invited to give blood in this blood drive at St. Francis High School. To give blood individuals must be healthy, at least 16 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and not have donated blood in the last eight weeks (56 days). There is no upper age limit.

Steve Ambrose, a senior at St. Francis High School who received six units of blood during his surgery following a near fatal auto accident last year, along with classmates Derek Mac Neil, Josh Pocabello and Matt Schraeder are the senior class co-chairs for this year's drive. Jon Lawless, Matt Musial and Luke Tasker are the junior class co-chairs for the drive. Mr. Ken Hunt and Mrs. LuAnn Starzynski are the coordinators of the blood drive.

Ambrose said his experience helped him to realize how important it is to give blood. "I never would have given blood before, but now I know how important it is, if other people hadn't donated I might not be here." Ambrose stressed that "it can happen to anyone, it's very real and it really does help." Ambrose said it's his way of giving back. He has since made a full recovery from the injuries he sustained in the March 10, 2007 accident.

Anyone interested in participating in this year's blood drive at St. Francis High School should contact LuAnn Starzynski, the School Nurse, at 627-1200, Extension 540 to schedule an appointment by February 26, 2008.