Twelve-year-old Jonah McCarty is incredibly close to earning his junior black belt but has a few important steps left, including completing a service project.

Alerts coming in on his mom’s phone gave him an idea.

“Mom’s been getting some text messages from the Red Cross saying there’s a critical need for blood, and I thought it would be a good idea to do something to help,” the Twin Falls sixth-grader said.

So Jonah is now organizing a Red Cross blood drive, set for Nov. 23 at Success Martial Arts in Twin Falls. He’s been putting up posters, talking to people he knows and even reached out to local news outlets to see if they would spread the word.

“It’s a lot of work,” he said.

Jonah’s efforts couldn’t come at a more important time as the U.S. faces a nationwide blood shortage. Hampered by the challenges of COVID-19, donations have fallen to their lowest levels at this point in the year in more than a decade while the demand for blood products remains strong. Every two seconds in this country, cancer patients, those undergoing surgery, accident victims and countless others depend on these lifesaving products being available.

Jonah’s mother Andrea said he’s been taking this project seriously.

In addition to doing martial arts training twice a week and organizing this service project, he also took part in three empathy days to better understand the challenges faced by those with disabilities. He attends leadership classes several times a month through his martial arts school as well.

“It’s been a lot of fun watching him go through this whole process,” she said. “It’s sure put a lot of responsibility on him, way more than your average 12-year-old would have.”

Andrea began donating blood herself a little more than a year ago, and Jonah’s grandmother has given more than 85 times.

“I really enjoy the experience, and it makes me feel better both physically and emotionally to know you’re helping others,” Andrea said.

Both of Jonah’s parents are teachers, and he’s been tapping those networks to recruit donors.

“I asked two of my dad’s band students yesterday if they would want to donate,” Jonah said.

Besides doing martial arts for the past five years, Jonah recently joined the band and is learning to play the trombone. His mom said he pours his heart into whatever he does.

“He’s very bright, hardworking and very, very caring,” Andrea said. “He really cares about his friends and what’s going on in their lives.

“We hope this is a successful blood drive.”

DONATE LIFESAVING BLOOD

To sign up for Jonah’s Twin Falls drive, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter the sponsor code SUCCESSMA. Not in the Twin Falls area but still want to donate lifesaving blood? Visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter your zip code to find a drive near you or call 800-RED-CROSS.

CONSIDER ORGANIZING A BLOOD DRIVE

Do you have a student who’s interested in helping organize a Red Cross blood drive just like Jonah? Reach out to learn more by sending an email to Joshua.drube@redcross.org.

BECOME A RED CROSS VOLUNTEER

Even if you’re not eligible to donate blood you can still help keep hospital shelves stocked. Please consider volunteering as a blood donor ambassador. These volunteers welcome donors to Red Cross drives, help schedule their next appointment and make sure they have a good experience. To learn more, email IDMT.Recruiting@redcross.org or call/text 406-493-8778.