PHOENIX — The pandemic is putting a pause on the party, so a Valley teen is organizing an effort to help others for her Sweet Sixteen this coming weekend.
Kessa Hancock, 15, said as the pandemic worsened, she had to rethink plans for her 16th birthday.
"It went from me just spending the day, hanging out with my friends, with some good food, and having a photoshoot to having a blood drive," Hancock said.
Hancock told ABC15 she wanted to help others and settled on a blood drive this upcoming Sunday, February 21 in Glendale.
"With the pandemic, and the national blood shortage, I thought this would be a great opportunity for me to host a blood drive and still bring people together," she said.
Hancock set up the bloodmobile event through Vitalant. Able to donate blood at the age of 16, she told ABC15 it is a long time coming.
"It seemed really cool," Hancock said. "I know that's not, like, a super great answer but, I don't know, I've always liked the idea of donating blood. I'm kind of scared of needles, so it's a bit odd."
Hancock said those who can't make it to the bloodmobile on Sunday can sign up for a virtual blood drive, where they can get connected with their local blood bank.
Hancock told ABC15 she is trying to make the best of a tough situation during the pandemic.
"I've been trying to do that a lot during the pandemic," Hancock said. "I feel like this is a really great way to make something positive happen from a negative disaster."
