Scholarship Blood Drive to Benefit Berkley High School Grad

Paige Jones, a recent graduate of , spent the past four years striving to get into the University of Michigan; now she is spending her summer working to afford the University of Michigan.

Jones is sponsoring a scholarship blood drive from 1-7 p.m. Wednesday at the . 

“Depending on the number of donors, the donates money toward my educational scholarship,” Jones said.

Her goal is to rally enough blood donors to obtain 45 pints, which would award her a $750 scholarship.

“I know that isn’t even enough for books,” she said. “But I also received an academic scholarship and student loans.”

This summer, Jones also is trying to boost her savings by working at Holiday Market in Royal Oak. 

“I am only bagging groceries, but it has helped my bank account,” she said.

Art Enthusiast Has Knack for Marketing

Jones, who graduated with a 4.2 grade-point average, enjoyed art classes in high school. Although her major is undecided, she hopes to continue art as a hobby and focus her studies in anthropology or cultural studies.

She has proved to have a knack for marketing, too. Jones strategically put up her advertising posters during , knowing there would be heavy foot traffic in the area. She also solicited her family and friends during her graduation open house.

When she isn’t working or writing essays for U-M’s freshman orientation, Jones is a typical teenager. She likes to hang out with her friends and listen to music. She also loves vacationing in Maine with her family. She tries to illustrate it all in her art.

Although Jones does not reach the height and weight requirements to donate, she encourages people to drop in to give blood. By doing so, she said, people will be giving back to the community twice: Giving blood is a great service, and it will raise money for her college education.

Jones will hand out stickers and thank people for their contribution throughout the blood drive.

Red Cross Seeks Type O-Negative Blood

To donate blood, Jones suggests calling her at 248-349-2829 or logging on to her link on the American Red Cross website for an appointment.

There are minor restrictions for donating blood, including that donors must be 17 or older and in general good health.

The American Red Cross says the supply of type O-negative blood has dropped to critical levels.

"Type O-negative blood is always in high demand because it can be transfused to patients with any blood type, especially in emergency situations," reads a notice on the American Red Cross website. "While all blood types are needed during the critical summer months, the Red Cross urges those eligible donors with blood type O-negative to make and keep appointments to give blood this summer."