ARLINGTON — Puget Sound Blood Center will hold a blood drive at Highland Christian School, 135 S. French St., from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 26, thanks to the efforts of HCS senior Chelsea Graber, 18.

This is Chelsey’s second year organizing the blood drive, said her mother, Cherene Graber.

She has also organized two food drives that benefited Oso Community Food Bank.

Chelsea became involved with Puget Sound Blood Center after giving blood with her mom at age 16.

“It was a great experience and didn’t hurt much. I found out it could save three lives.”

Chelsea also learned that one of her favorite teacher’s life was saved by a blood transfusion and decided then that she wanted to plan more blood drives. She spoke with someone at the blood drive and got a phone number, and off she went to organize a drive at her school.

“Because you have to be 16, most of the students at the school are too young to donate, so I am reaching out to the community,” Chelsea said.

Last year she had 48 people donate blood and she’s hoping for more this year.

Once the drive is over, she will have to write a report to get her community service credits for graduation. Chelsea plans to attend college next year.

The Feb. 26 blood drive is on the second floor commons area of the old high school. It will be closed for lunch from 10:30 – 11:15 a.m. For information call Puget Sound Blood Center 1-800-398-7888.