Community Blood Center of the Carolinas will award a $1,000 scholarship to a local student this holiday season as part of its annual Holiday Hero scholarship program.

This opportunity is open to any student in the region who hosts a successful blood drive with CBCC from Nov. 15, 2017, to Jan. 15, 2018. The student who hosts the top-producing blood drive will earn a $1,000 scholarship to the secondary educational institute of their choice.

“The dedication of our students to saving local lives is truly remarkable,” said Nicole Hanson, CBCC’s manager of recruitment and retention. “Not only do they donate at blood drives held at their schools throughout the year, but many also step up during critical times to host blood drives of their own. These students are true heroes.”

The holidays represent a difficult time of year for blood collection, Hanson said. With schools on break, the increased potential for inclement weather and winter illness, and the general hustle and bustle of the holidays, the blood supply tends to suffer.

“Students make up more than 25 percent of our donor base,” Hanson said. “That means they play a vital role in maintaining a steady blood supply for local patients. Our Holiday Hero scholarship program is just one of the many ways we are able to thank these students for helping save lives in our community.”

Through its commitment to supporting students and schools, CBCC has awarded more than 300 scholarships and grants since 2009. In 2017 alone, CBCC awarded more than $107,125 to students and schools in our community.

To learn more about the Holiday Hero scholarship program, call 1-888-59BLOOD, email student@cbcc.us, or go online to www.cbcc.us/scholarships.

About Community Blood Center of the Carolinas

The Community Blood Center of the Carolinas is the local nonprofit, community-based blood center and the primary blood supplier to the region’s hospitals. CBCC collects blood and blood products from volunteer donors in the community to return to the community at the lowest possible cost consistent with the highest possible standards. CBCC is a member of America’s Blood Centers, North America’s largest network of community-based, independent blood centers that provide more than 50 percent of the nation’s blood supply. For more information, visit http://www.cbcc.us/.

For more information on hosting a blood drive or donating blood in your area, visit www.cbcc.us or call 1-888-59BLOOD.

Follow the Community Blood Center of the Carolinas on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/BloodCenter, on Instagram https://instagram.com/cbccarolinas/ and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CBCCarolinas.