A community blood drive and pet food donation event honoring the life and legacy of Avery Chauncey will take place Saturday, December 20, with the Corry Community Center serving as a primary local site.
The Community Blood Bank has partnered with Avery’s Pawsitive Change, a nonprofit founded by Avery Chauncey, who passed away earlier this year at the age of 18 after a long battle with cancer. Avery was widely known and deeply loved in the community for her compassion, particularly her dedication to helping animals in need.
The Corry blood drive will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Corry Community Center, located at 15 South First Avenue. In addition to donating blood, community members are encouraged to bring pet food donations to support local animals and families through Avery’s Pawsitive Challenge.
Megan Solensky, community relations specialist with the Community Blood Bank, said the event brings together two causes that were especially meaningful to Avery.
“Avery received blood products during her treatment, so this partnership really brings her story full circle,” Solensky said in an interview with Brian Silvis, Program Director of Channel 98.9 radio. “Blood donors helped Avery, and now her legacy is helping save lives and support pets and families across the region.”
Solensky said maintaining a stable local blood supply is especially critical during the winter months, when donations often decline.
“This is a chance for people to do something very tangible—give blood, donate pet food, and honor a young woman who gave so much to her community,” she said.
Additional blood drives will also be held Saturday in Erie and Warren. The Community Blood Bank location at 2646 Peach Street in Erie will host donors from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., while Targeted Pet Treats at 151 Struthers Street in Warren will hold a drive from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pet food donations will be accepted at all locations.
Solensky emphasized that while appointments are encouraged to reduce wait times, walk-ins are welcome.
“We don’t want anyone to feel like they can’t participate,” she said. “If you have the time and the ability to donate, we’ll be grateful to have you.”
To schedule a blood donation appointment, residents can call the Community Blood Bank at 814-456-4206.
