Twenty-five fifth-grade student council members from Davis Intermediate School in Wylie toured the American Red Cross North Texas Region headquarters in Dallas on a recent field trip.

During this visit, the young leaders gained insight into the vital work carried out by the Red Cross, such as the organization's disaster relief efforts. They also had the chance to learn about life-saving skills taught in Red Cross training courses and how they and their families can volunteer with the Red Cross.

The day started with a brief overview of the Red Cross's disaster response programs. Students listened as disaster program managers explained how volunteers and staff work together to help people during emergencies.

An emergency response vehicle pulled up just in time to deliver lunch to the students from its side window, just like during a disaster response. This hands-on experience allowed the students to see firsthand how the Red Cross delivers essential services to those in need during disasters.

The students then had the opportunity to learn and practice hands-on CPR training. They eagerly absorbed the life-saving skill, understanding its importance in emergencies. Learning CPR at a young age empowers students to act confidently and make a difference in critical moments.

The tour continued with a visit to the Red Cross Biomed testing facility, a fascinating experience for the students. Here, they learned about the processes involved in storing and testing the blood given by donors in the DFW area. The students also learned about the importance of platelets and the Red Cross' ongoing efforts to support individuals with sickle cell disease.

The Red Cross is proud to partner with schools and other organizations to inspire the next generation of leaders to help those in the community who need help and hope in times of crisis.