The Christmas season is a little brighter for the family of a local high school girl recovering from surgery after Escambia County High School hosted a blood drive Monday in her honor.

Mary Ellen Ray, a freshman at ECHS, has not been able to attend school this semester after having back surgery over the summer and has been the recipient of many blood transfusions throughout her life. Recently, she was named an official Red Cross ambassador and she her family have been helping the organization set up blood drives since.

Mary Ellen’s mother, Jennie Ray, said the drive’s goal was 35 units of blood, but netted at total of 36 useable units.

Ray said blood is the best gift someone can give.

For the complete story of Monday’s drive, as well as Mary Ellen’s remarkable journey, see the Saturday, Dec. 22 edition of The Atmore Advance.