Susan Koomar, community relations coordinator for the Gift of Life Donor Program, said that since 1974, the program has accomplished 36,000 organ transplants and 500,000 tissue grafts.

In 2014, 447 donors contributed to 1,133 transplants.Koomer coordinated a Gift of Life program at Marian High School Thursday, as part of Catholic Schools Week.After the program, Marian Student Council representatives Katie Healey of Conyngham, and Ashley Fannick of Frackville, praised the program."We think is was a big inspiration to all of us," Healey said. "Thanks for sharing it with the Marian family.More FactsMore than 119,000 people are currently waiting for an organ transplant in the United States. Also 1,800 of them are 18 or younger.Approximately 80 organ transplants take place every day in the United States.More than 45,000 people had their sight restored last year through cornea transplants.In 2012, 35 percent of the deceased donors were 50 or older, and 60 percent of the recipients were 50 or older. A 77-year-old woman from Scranton was a lung donor last year.More than one million tissue transplants are done each year.To become a donor, add the organ donor designation to your driver's license. If you're under 18, you'll need parental consent. Go to

www.donors1.org to register.In eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, 6,303 people are on waiting lists for organs.People of all ages and medical histories are potential organ donors.There is no cost to the donor's family or estate for organ or tissue donation.Every day, 18 people die while they are waiting.In Pennsylvania, 46 percent of registered drivers are organ donors. By county, 42.7 percent are registered in Schuylkill, 43.2 percent are registered in Carbon.In addition to heart, liver and kidneys, the pancreas, lungs, intestines, stomach and small bowel can be transplanted, as can corneas, bone, ligaments, tendons, heart valves, saphenos veins and skin.