Murfreesboro City Schools students in kindergarten through sixth grade will become Pint-Size Heroes when they recruit their parents and teachers to donate blood at their school’s blood drive. 

Twelve schools are participating in the challenge. Eleven blood drives are scheduled throughout the city during the months of January and February.

“Murfreesboro City School system is proud to be partnering with the Red Cross in the new ‘Pint-Size Heroes’ initiative. It's important that our students learn early the importance of volunteerism and humanitarianism. ‘Pint-Size Heroes’ provides that opportunity. It's a win-win for all,” MCS spokeswoman Cheryl Harris said.

Each student will receive a Study Buddy stuffed toy or yo-yo for his or her recruitment efforts. Each school will receive a certificate for participating in the challenge. The school with the highest participation rate, based on the size of the student body, will win a trophy. 

Look for the Rutherford County Middle and High Schools to battle it out in March and April.

If you are at least 17 years of age, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and are in good general health, you may be eligible to donate blood. In Tennessee, you may give blood at 16 years of age with parental consent.

Anyone can participate in the challenge by donating blood at one of the following Murfreesboro City Schools:

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 1-6 p.m.: Black Fox Elementary School, 1753 S. Rutherford Blvd.
Friday, Jan. 23, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.: Hobgood Elementary School, at 307 S. Baird Ln.
Wednesday, Jan. 28, 1-6 p.m.: Scales Elementary School, 2340 St. Andrews Dr.
Friday, Jan. 30, 1-6 p.m.: Mitchell Neilson Elementary School (gymnasium), 711 W. Clark Blvd.  This drive is also for Mitchell Neilson Primary School.  
Thursday, Feb. 5, 1-6 p.m.: Bradley Elementary School, 511 Mercury Blvd.
Friday, Feb. 6, 1-6 p.m.: Northfield Elementary School, 550 W. Northfield Blvd.
Wednesday, Feb. 11, 1-6 p.m.: Cason Lane Academy, 1330 Cason Lane.
Thursday, Feb. 12, 1-6 p.m.: John Pittard Elementary, 745 DeJarnette Lane.
Thursday, Feb. 12, 1-6 p.m.: Siegel Elementary School, 135 W. Thompson Lane.
Thursday, Feb. 19, noon-5 p.m.: Bellwood Pre-school, 1165 Middle Tennessee Blvd.
Thursday, Feb. 5, 1-6 p.m.: The Discovery School at Reeves-Rodgers, 1807 Greenland Drive.