Troop 71's annual blood drive began several years ago as an Eagle Scout project.  The blood drive was started in the memory of Troop 71 Scoutmaster Mr. Sinclair.

The trucks of the American Red Cross arrived at St John Vianney at 7:00 am on Saturday morning.  After helping unload and set up equipment, chairs and tables, the scouts of Troop 71 spent the morning checking in donors, staffing the day care area, passing out snacks to the donors and assisting Red Cross personnel in any way we could.

It was a very cold day - the temperature was only 5 degrees.  Scouts in the blood drop costumes had to dress very warmly.  The two costumes were worn by scouts to advertise the blood drive for anybody going by the church, who might drop in.

This year, we collected 64 units of blood.  This is enough to help 192 people.  It's a great feeling to be able to make a difference in such a big way.