Tammy Barganier and Karen Hill wanted to find a way to honor Linda Rogers.

When the pair saw an email from the American Red Cross come across their inboxes, it hit them. What better way to honor a nurse than with a blood drive?

Rogers, the school nurse for Greenville Middle School, is on leave from the school while battling cancer. Barganier is filling in for Rogers.

“We wanted to do something for Linda and the email from the Red Cross got things started,” Barganier said.

Greenville Middle School and the American Red Cross, the primary blood supplier to L.V. Stabler Memorial Hospital and Georgiana Hospital, are teaming up to hold the blood drive Dec. 8.

“We feel like it’s a good time of the year to have a blood drive,” Barganier said. “There’s always a shortage of blood around the holidays.”

The GMS blood drive is unique in that it will depend in large part on “half-pint heroes.”

“The students obviously aren’t old enough to give blood, but we want them to be involved, so we’re having them ask an adult to come and give blood in their place,” Barganier said.

Following the blood drive, the school will hold an ice cream party for the students who had an adult participate in the drive. The American Red Cross’ goal for the drive is 28 pints of blood.

Along with the drive, an official with the American Red Cross will speak with the students about the importance of donating blood.

“We’re also hoping this will serve as a learning experience for the students,” Barganier said. “We want them to know what kind of difference donating blood can make.”

The blood drive will be held in Building 3, Room 314 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Those interested in donating are encouraged to call the school at 382-3450 to schedule an appointment.