Poplarville Upper Elementary is organizing its annual “Be a hero” blood drive on Jan. 29.

The drive will take place at the school’s gym from 12:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Julie Tyner, a nurse at the Poplarville Upper Elementary, said the “Be a hero” blood drive has been taking place for the last 15 years.

“It is more like an education tool for our students,” Tyner said.

Tyner said representatives from the United Blood Services visit the school a week before the drive is held to give a presentation to the students about donating blood and how the community benefits.

She said since the students are too young to donate, they are asked to become recruiters wherein they are required to encourage their family members, neighbors, siblings and members of their church family to participate as donors instead of students.

“If the students are successful in bringing in a donor they will be eligible to win a prize from the school,” Tyner said.

This year the goal is to collect at least 55 units of blood.

However the drive had to be moved from its initial date due to inclement weather, which she hopes doesn’t lead to less donations being received.

“…we usually have over 50 donors each year, but because we have re-scheduled the drive after the cold snap forced all schools in the districts to be closed, we hope it doesn’t affect the turnout,” Tyner said.

Tyner said the drive is a positive opportunity for children to learn about the importance of saving lives and become inspired to become blood donors when they are older.