Jenks And Union Team Up for Blood Drive

Chris Howell, NewsOn6.com

TULSA, OK -- Athletic Departments from Jenks and Union school districts teamed up with the American Red Cross to launch their second annual "Save a Life Summer" blood drive Monday.

Both schools had their football coaches, athletic directors and many players giving blood at the Red Cross Center at 7158 s. Memorial.

"We always say that the rivalry makes both schools a bit better,' said Union Athletic Director Chuck Perry.  "Today is another opportunity for us to compete and push each other a little bit and it benefits everyone."

Jan Hale, Communications Manager for the American Red Cross, said, "We're beginning to feel the summer pinch.  As temperatures go up donations go down, and we're beginning to see that.  So the timing of today is so pivotal for the Red Cross and for our community because we are collecting the blood so we can save lives in our community."

The schools hope to donate 1,000 units of blood between June 15^th and the big game on September 11^th.  Last year's campaign exceeded the 1,000-unit goal.

"That's always been important to us after we got involved in this last year," said Jenks Athletic Director Tony Dillingham.  "I think we had quite a good measure of success and hopefully we'll have another good summer."