TERRE HAUTE — Five years ago, Joseph Botros’ father successfully underwent a liver transplant.

Now, Botros, a Terre Haute South Vigo High School senior, is committed to helping others who need organ transplants.

On Saturday, Botros plans to conduct an organ donation drive from 1 to 5 p.m. at several locations throughout Terre Haute: Honey Creek Mall, Books-a-Million, the Vigo County Public Library main branch, Meadows Shopping Center and Baesler’s Market.

He’s recruited several volunteers who will be trained to staff each site.

Botros has been planning the drive for about three months, and he hopes to do it as an Eagle Scout project.

He is working with the Indiana Organ Procurement Organization, of which he is a member.

The issue is a very personal one for Botros because of his father’s experience; he has seen first-hand how organ donations can save lives. His father, Dr. Noaman Botros, is a general surgeon in Terre Haute.

His father, who had hepatitis C, didn’t have to wait too long for a liver; he has type AB  blood, the “universal” recipient. Those with AB blood can receive any blood type.

“He moved up on the list fast,” Botros said. His dad remains healthy and continues to practice medicine, he said.

Others are not as fortunate.