The Community Blood Center of the Carolinas (CBCC) recently wrapped up its two-month long ‘Pints for Pencils’ campaign and donated more than $6,000 in school supplies to Classroom Central and several school districts throughout the region.

For each blood donation in August and September, CBCC pledged to make a contribution in school supplies to Classroom Central, which serves students and teachers in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Gaston County, Union County, Kannapolis City, Iredell-Statesville and Rock Hill schools, as well as school districts in the other communities served by CBCC. The expanded ‘Pints for Pencils’ campaign supported the following eight school districts with school supplies: Burke County, Cabarrus County, Catawba County, Clover, Fort Mill, Lancaster County, Rowan County and Stanly County.

“Through the ‘Pints for Pencils’ campaign, we’ve been able to make an impact on the lives of both local students and patients,” said Martin Grable, president and CEO of Community Blood Center of the Carolinas. “Blood donations made in August and September not only saved thousands of local lives, they also helped supply necessary school supplies to students and teachers in our communities.”

“The Community Blood Center of the Carolinas and all their generous donors deserve a huge pat on the back for their support,” said Janice Holly Booth, executive director of Classroom Central. “’Pints for Pencils’ is a win-win endeavor resulting in more than 29,000 dollars in free school supplies for area students and live-saving blood for local patients.”

Classroom Central is able to turn every dollar contributed into more than $7 in free school supplies distributed to area students. Since their inception in 2002, they have distributed more than $28 million in school supplies to local students.

‘Pints for Pencils’ is one of the many ways CBCC is supporting local students, who make up 20 percent of its donor base. Throughout the year CBCC offers other scholarship and grant opportunities for local students and schools. During the 2010-2011 school year, CBCC awarded $25,000 in scholarships and grants. For more information on how your student or school can participate, contact Kim Jones, Director of Sponsorship Development and Public Relations at 704-972-4727.