THE annual blood drive for children, staged by the Kiwanis Clubs of Constant Spring, Papine and North St Andrew, in collaboration with the Half-Way-Tree Primary School and the National Blood Transfusion Service, on Saturday collected 20 units of blood, with the potential of saving 120 children.

The drive was conceptualised by Kiwanian Modupoela Abayome who recognised the need for blood after several children of HWT Primary were in a motor vehicle accident and the response to an appeal was paltry. As a past parent of the school, she worked with the clubs to start the project years ago.

The project has grown steadily over the years, not just in the number of units obtained but in the expanded services provided to the community. Blood pressure and blood sugar checks were offered to persons who were unable to donate, and dental services granted to 30 children, in collaboration with the University of Technology College of Health Services and Dental School.

From left: Distinguished President Shelly McFarlane of the Kiwanis Club of Constant Spring (KCCS); President Damion Lawrence of the Kiwanis Club of North St Andrew; and past Director Modupuela of KCCS, after donating blood on Saturday.