The Pint-Size Heroes program is an American Red Cross initiative specially designed to introduce students to the blood donation process. The program is comprised of a fun, educational segment and a blood drive held at a participating school.

Six weeks prior to the blood drive, an American Red Cross representative will give a 10-15 minute, age-appropriate presentation to the students briefly educating on the importance of blood. Supplemental materials are available for enthusiastic teachers who may wish to discuss the blood drive further in groups or classrooms.

The Educational Program features

• Facts about blood and how it is used as medicine
• Who gives blood
• Who needs blood
• What happens before, during and after a blood donation
• The function of American Red Cross Blood Services
• How the Red Cross protects the safety of the blood supply
• How students can help with an upcoming blood drive

The Blood Drive

All students are informed of their school’s upcoming blood drive and are encouraged to play a major role in the process by volunteering at the blood drive and by taking home a letter describing the program to ask a parent/guardian to donate blood.

The blood drive is open to staff and donors with appointments who have been personally recruited by a student. The drive is not advertised outside the school without school authorization. Older students may serve as volunteers at the drive. Students who recruit donors are recognized and are eligible for prizes. Parent/Guardian Involvement After receiving an informational letter from his/her child, the parent or guardian is asked to return the enclosed Donor Appointment Request Form to the school with his/her child or visit www.redcrossblood.org to schedule an online appointment. This form allows the parent to indicate a desire to be contacted by the school for a donation appointment or denotes they have already scheduled an appointment online.

Organization Tasks

• Schedule appointments and work with the Red Cross rep to establish an appropriate appointment process. The Red Cross will provide a schedule outline based on the goal.
• Provide space, chairs and tables for the blood drive.  
• Track the students who earn awards by recruiting donors.
• Arrange the refreshment area volunteers for during the drive.
• Because small children cannot accompany parents in the donor room, consider having babysitting available.

Sign Your School Up

For more information, or to set up a blood drive in your area, call 262-970-7427.