Letter to the Editor - January 17, 2019

DI Eagle Scout candidate invites community to support Red Cross blood drive on Jan. 26

The Red Cross is coming to Daniel Island for an important blood drive on January 26. The blood drive will be held at the Church of the Holy Cross from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This blood drive is unique as it is also my Eagle Scout project. I am a Life Scout with Boy Scout Troop 519 on Daniel Island.

Eagle Projects can be very diverse and thus deciding what to do can sometimes be challenging. I decided on a blood drive for two important reasons: First and foremost, I want to do an Eagle project that embodies the Scout Law - “To help other people at all times.” This was very important to me, and I chose a blood drive for the community, since blood donations benefit people from all walks of life and socio-economic status.

Secondly, I decided to host a blood drive because of my grandfather, Alex Miller. During his service in Vietnam, he was severely wounded and needed a large number of blood transfusions - about 53 pints - which ultimately helped save his life. After his recovery, my grandfather dedicated himself to giving back every pint he received and more. To date, he’s donated over 22 gallons. Because of his service to our country and his leadership in giving back, I want to carry on the cause by helping the Red Cross.

Importantly, this is the time of year that the Red Cross has its lowest level of blood inventory on hand, so it is especially critical to help ensure the success of this blood drive. My goal is to secure 34 donors, since that is the maximum number the Red Cross can manage during the scheduled time frame.

If helping others is not quite enough motivation, I have also arranged for a bonus! Thanks to the Chick-fil-A on Longpoint Road, all donors will receive a COUPON for a FREE hot, delicious chicken sandwich. What a combination - helping the Red Cross AND getting a free Chick-fil-A sandwich! I really want to give away all these coupons!

Online sign-up is REQUIRED in advance on www.redcrossblood.org using the sponsor code Troop519. Please join me in helping the Red Cross and achieving an important goal of Eagle Scout.

Charles Cavatoni

Daniel Island

Boy Scout Troop 519