06/03/2026
Makenna and Clara didn’t just support their school blood drives — they helped redefine how their campus (and generation!) talks about blood donation.
The graduating seniors turned a simple idea into something much bigger when they started creating funny skit videos to promote their school’s blood drives. What began as a fun way to encourage classmates quickly took off, with one video going viral and reaching 1.3 million likes — proving that lifesaving awareness can start with a single post. Check it out at bit.ly/43eXETY.
“We knew people were entertained by funny and inspiring videos, so we made some with just that,” Clara said.
Inspired by the story of Warwick teen Matthew Dennison and the advocacy work his family continues today, Makenna felt called to get involved and help others through blood donation.
“Donating blood means saving three lives,” Makenna shared. “If anyone I knew needed blood, I’d be there right away.”
Clara, a consistent donor since turning 16, helped run promotions, welcome donors, and use social media to make donation feel approachable — especially for first-time donors.
Her favorite moment came after the video went viral, when commenters said it inspired them to donate. “I loved that it gave people a laugh but also made them want to start donating,” she said.
Together, they represent a new generation of advocates — Gen Z donors using creativity, humor, and their platforms to inspire others to save lives.
This fall, both Makenna and Clara will attend the University of Rhode Island, where they plan to continue donating and encouraging new classmates to get involved. From the entire RIBC team, congrats to you both! 🎓
