Kenneth Russell is out for blood. Don't worry. This is a good thing.

The Sequim High senior is coordinating a community blood drive at First Baptist Church on Oct. 11 for what he hopes is the final step toward becoming an Eagle Scout.

"My interest is just a goal of being an Eagle Scout," Russell says. "I (recall) hearing people's accomplishments, looking up to them and having a lot of respect for them. Instead of building something ... I figured this would be a way bigger impact."

Russell, a Scout since he was in first grade at Greywolf Elementary, said he was impressed with other Scouts' projects but that he wanted something with a lasting impact. According to the Puget Sound Blood Center, one person donating blood can save up to three lives.

Russell, now a member of Boy Scout Troop 1491, called the blood center, which brings all the supplies and staff; Russell's job is to promote. That, and get all the requirements for an Eagle Scout project. Russell had to get signatures from a local council of advancement committee, a staff member at the Baptist church, someone from the blood center and, perhaps the toughest of all, a signature from a District Advancement Committee member

"If they don't approve of it, all of your planning has gone down the drain," Russell says.

One of Russell's running coaches, Chad Lee, had completed the same thing for an Eagle Scout project, drawing 60 people to the drive. Russell said his goal is to top 60 donors, a number blood center staff members say is more than they normally see for a blood drive.

Giving blood, about a pint in all, takes about an hour, plus 10 minutes of recuperation time.



Blood drive

What: Puget Sound Blood Center blood drive; also Kenneth Russell's Eagle Scout project

When: 10 a.m.-noon and 12:45-4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 11

Where: First Baptist Church, 1323 Sequim-Dungeness Way

More details: Call Russell at 808-1590 or 457-7395, or e-mail to: KennethLRussell@gmail.com