Blood donors come in all types– blood types that is.
“It’s something anybody can do,” principal Jared McEvoy said. “It’s a good way to give something of yourself.”
Eligible and healthy students 16 years and older are encouraged to participate in the spring blood drive held by Key Club on Feb. 25 from 7:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m. For the best experience, it’s suggested donors eat a good meal, high in iron and hydrate beforehand. Cookies and juice are given to help raise the participants iron levels.
“I’m so excited.” senior blood drive co-organizer Tatiana Terenzi said. “It’s my favorite day of the year. It makes me so happy.”
In November, another blood drive was planned but canceled due to a snow day. It consisted of around 60 participants.
“We’re definitely a lot more organized and we’re working more to advertise it to the school and get more people involved with it,” senior blood drive organizer Molianna Ison said.
For every one donation, three patients can be helped. After a thorough health check, students who donate can find out their blood type. American Red Cross workers treat the participants as life-long donors, according to key club advisor Linda Craun.
“Everyone knows someone who was in the hospital at one point and you can pay it forward,” Craun said.
For running the drive, Ison and Terenzi had the opportunity to get a scholarship, however, due to the cancellation the scholarship opportunity was lost. Both students remain enthusiastic and hopeful about the turnout.
“I’m pretty sad; it wasn’t the main reason I was doing it. I was more doing it to help people and stuff just because I thought it would be good to take on another position helping others and stuff,” Ison said. “I just feel really excited and I’m glad I’m able to help people, even though I’m not personally giving blood. Just being able to organize something and work with so many people who are so caring for others and are willing to give a part of themselves to help others in need.”