The Lady Golden Tigers Girls Athletics Program is hosting the RHS summer blood drive in honor of Jagger Mills.

The blood drive, through the American Red Cross, will be held in the RHS gym June 16 from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Red Cross account executive Stephanie Holcomb, who services north and west Alabama, said the agency is “in a very critical time” as hospitals begin to schedule elective surgeries put on hold because of the coronavirus. As always, every pint of blood donated can help save up to three lives.

Holcomb said for every pint collected, the Red Cross will donate $10 to the girls athletics programs at RHS. Additionally, all donors will receive a $5 Amazon gift card.

For girls basketball coach Jermaine Groce, the drive fits in perfectly with the mindset and spirit he tries to encourage among his team members.

“I’ve always talked to my athletes about finding ways to give back to the community that has given so much to each one of us,” Groce said. “Giving blood is one of the most selfless actions that a person can take. Each pint of blood has the ability to save someone’s life.”

One life on most everyone’s mind is that of 2020 RHS graduate Jagger Mills, who passed away Sunday after fighting aplastic anemia and related complications over the past year and a half. The blood drive planned in his honor is now in his memory, with donors urged to help others like Mills who need life-saving blood transfusions.

“Jagger will always be remembered here at Russellville. He was a fighter and a courageous young man,” Groce said. “I believe this community does a tremendous job of stepping up to the plate to assist fellow Golden Tigers, and giving blood this year is a way of honoring individuals like Jagger. Russellville has led the state in blood donations the past couple of years, and I truly believe it’s because of the bond and selfless spirit that all residents of this town possess.”

The Tuesday blood drive boasts a goal of at least 100 pints donated.  

“It is essential especially during a time such as this when COVID-19 is affecting so many people and hindering the chance for people to come and donate under circumstances,” Groce added. “I think that during times like this it is important that we all think about others that are in more critical situations than ourselves. Helping save someone’s life is truly a great cause.” 

Walk-ups are welcome, or for appointments visit www.redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code girlsathletics.