22-Year Red Cross Blood Drive Ends for Franklin Park Teacher

Joanie Doff's annual student-led blood drive at Franklin Park Middle School in Salem will conclude after over two decades.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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After 22 years of hosting an annual Red Cross blood drive at Franklin Park Middle School in Salem, Oregon, retiring science teacher Joanie Doff is stepping down from organizing the event. The blood drive, which has become part of the curriculum on the circulatory system, has collected over 1,600 units of blood thanks to the involvement of Doff's students in recruitment, setup, and other key roles.

Why it matters

Doff's long-running blood drive is an example of how educators can creatively engage students in hands-on learning about the human body while also making a tangible community impact. The drive's end marks the conclusion of a two-decade tradition that has benefited the local blood supply.

The details

Doff initially started the blood drive as a one-time idea 22 years ago, but it quickly became a beloved annual event embraced by her students. The drive involves students working registration, refreshments, recruitment, and other logistical roles. Doff says the students "enjoy it" and "get so involved with it." Each student who recruits a donor receives a blood drop pillow from the Red Cross, and there are contests for those who bring in the most donors.

  • The final blood drive will take place on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.
  • Doff is retiring this year after 22 years of hosting the annual event.

The players

Joanie Doff

A science teacher at Franklin Park Middle School in Salem, Oregon, who has organized an annual Red Cross blood drive at the school for the past 22 years.

Franklin Park Middle School

A middle school in Salem, Oregon, where Doff has hosted the annual Red Cross blood drive.

Red Cross

The nonprofit organization that has partnered with Doff and Franklin Park Middle School to host the annual blood drive.

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What they’re saying

“At first I thought, we'll just do this one year and see how it goes. I didn't know that it would do as well, because most of the people in the building are not sixteen and can't even donate. The kids took off with it. They enjoy it, they get so involved with it, and it's been one of my favorite parts of the school year.”

— Joanie Doff, Science Teacher (southernillinoisnow.com)

What’s next

The final Red Cross blood drive organized by Joanie Doff at Franklin Park Middle School will take place on Wednesday, February 12, 2026. The goal is to collect 86 units of blood, building on the over 1,600 units collected over the past 22 years.

The takeaway

Doff's long-running blood drive demonstrates how educators can creatively engage students in hands-on learning about the human body while also making a meaningful community impact. The drive's conclusion marks the end of a two-decade tradition that has benefited the local blood supply, highlighting the lasting positive effects that can result from a teacher's innovative approach to curriculum.