After their only child Wayne Leibensperger Jr., 21, died in a car accident on Route 22 in March, Deana and Wayne Leibensperger Sr. looked to find a way to keep their son's memory alive while supporting a cause he believed in.

Wayne Jr. was a Scout with Troop 146 and a Salisbury High School graduate.

He was also a blood donor.

"Wayne was an avid blood donor who donated faithfully every eight weeks," Deb Otto, director of donor resources said.

According to Otto, Wayne began donating as a student at SHS; however, his dedication didn't stop after high school as it does with so many young people who go on with their lives and put donating blood at the bottom of their priority list.

"In a short period of time Wayne was able to achieve the milestone of donating one gallon and was obviously dedicated to continuing," Otto said. "His selflessness saved many lives and earned the gratitude of the patients he saved and their families. Wayne was a true hero."

According to family, after every donation, Leibensperger would come home, show his arm to his mother and say, "Hey mom, I saved a life today."

Donors at these, and any Miller-Keystone blood drives are invited and encouraged to take a photo of their arm and show their support by posting on Twitter or Instagram with #HeyWayneISavedaLifeToday.

Two memorial blood drives were held June 4 one at SHS coordinated by student government and one at St. James Lutheran Church, Coopersburg.

A total of 143 units of blood were collected at SHS and 50 units were collected at St. James Lutheran Church.

Miller-Keystone Corporate Director, Communications Marie S. Clemens attended the SHS blood drive.

Clemens said blood levels are down the center likes to have a 3-day supply, approximately 1,500 units on hand as needed. Currently, they are averaging approximately 900 units of blood.

"The numbers usually go down in the summer with high school not in session and donors on vacation; however, the low numbers have started earlier this year," Clemens said.

Clemens said the center holds approximately 80 high school drives a year.

Deana and Wayne thanked the high school for opening up the blood drive to the community and for "helping us to honor our son."

Deana said they will definitely host another blood drive next year.

Anyone who wants to donate blood in Wayne's memory is encouraged to contact Miller-Keystone at 610-691-5850 or visit www.giveapint.org and use code #7447 anytime in June.

"We thank you for your kindness," Deana said. "Go home and share your generous act with your parents, children, brothers, sisters and friends. Tell them you "saved a life today."