At 14 years old, Maddi Dickey, a freshman at Albert Lea High School, coordinated her first American Red Cross blood drive as one of the organization’s youngest coordinators. Today, Dickey turns 16. Three days later she’ll host her second Red Cross drive. Only this time it’s a birthday party blood drive and she will be old enough to donate for the first time.

“I’m excited!” Dickey said, adding she’d be eating steak and other iron-rich foods to boost her hemoglobin levels before the drive.

“Celebrating my birthday and making my first blood donation on Wednesday along with friends and anyone else who is eligible to donate blood is something I really look forward to.”

Minnesota 16-year-olds can donate blood with a signed Red Cross parental/guardian consent form available in the donor information section on the Red Cross Web site at givebloodgivelife.org. Dickey hopes other first-time donors will join her and donate blood. Cake and beverages will be served. “Donors of all ages are invited to give blood and celebrate!” she said.

You can join Dickey’s 16-year-old birthday party and give blood to help patients in need on Wednesday from 1 to 7 p.m. at Northbridge Mall.

Donors can take a few simple steps to prepare and to help ensure a good donation experience: Get a good night’s sleep, eat a good breakfast or lunch, drink extra water and fluids to help replace the volume you will donate, avoid caffeinated beverages and eat iron-rich foods to boost your iron level.

Simply call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visit givebloodgivelife.org to make an appointment or for more information. Enter sponsor code 6156. People can also call Dickey at (507) 390-7077. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Eligible donors must be at least 17 years old, or 16 years old with a signed Red Cross parental/guardian consent form where state permits, must weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health.

Governed by volunteers and supported by giving individuals and communities, the American Red Cross is the single largest supplier of blood products to hospitals throughout the United States.

While local hospital needs are always met first, the Red Cross also helps ensure no patient goes without blood no matter where or when they need it. In addition to providing nearly half of the nation’s blood supply, the Red Cross provides relief to victims of disaster, trains millions in lifesaving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families, and assists victims of international disasters or conflicts.