GAYLORD — The third annual Pint-Size Heroes blood drive at South Maple Elementary School, Tuesday, was a success, said Sue McKay, South Maple Elementary School instructional assistant and blood drive organizer.

“We were three pints short of our goal but the director was very pleased with the 82 units that were collected,” said McKay.

The American Red Cross blood drive was held in memory of Carol Granlund, a second-grade teacher at South Maple who received blood transfusions during her fight against ovarian cancer. Granlund lost her battle with cancer Oct. 22, 2006, but the blood drive in her name lives on.

“We had 20 first-time donors,” McKay added.

According to Biz Bauer, American Red Cross senior donor recruiter, the drive was “very well organized.”

“One thing Sue does above and beyond,” said Bauer, “as people are deferred or don’t show up, she calls people on a back-up list. That makes a big difference. She does a great job.”

Approximately six weeks prior to the drive, Bauer makes a presentation to students about the benefits of donating blood and how their parents’ donations can help up to three people.

“The kids do a great job,” Bauer added. “It’s not just to get the units for now. By the time they’re in high school we want them to become donors.”

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