Participating in the June 26 Gordon College-American Red Cross blood drive could assure that someone's life is saved. But it means that and more to nursing student Karrie Stewart.

Karrie Stewart

If Stewart, who will begin her second semester at Gordon College in August, can sign up enough people to donate at least 50 pints of useable blood, she could win a $2,000 scholarship from the American Red Cross.

"The most important thing is that blood is donated," said Stewart, a Barnesville resident. "The summer months are usually very slow for donations. People go on vacation, get busy, they just have more to do. So taking the time to give is especially appreciated since supplies get so low."

"But on the other hand,” she said, "the scholarship would help me out tremendously. Nursing students have to buy a lot of books."

The blood drive is June 26 from 2 to 6 p.m. in the gymnasium on the Gordon College campus. The most recent blood drive in April drew 82 participants and yielded 68 pints of blood. Stewart and her fellow student nurses hope to double that amount.

"I've got 30 of my friends promised to help out," Stewart said. "I'd like that scholarship, but saving lives is what it really is all about."