The Red Cross Officer Team (pictured above) puts lots of time and effort into ensuring that blood drives go smoothly and are fun for all involved.
“We try to cater a lot of our events to be something fun. With our blood drives, we advertise that there will be refreshments or t-shirts or gift cards provided for donors.”
What motivated you to participate in the Blood Drive?
“I think I’ve always wanted to just because I know it helps people. … I believe anyone, regardless of age, should donate if [they can], of course. For students, it’s particularly important because there are a lot of resources available to them to enable that donation, so I do think they should take advantage of that.”
What would you say to someone hesitant about donating?
“There are a few reasons they may be hesitant … just know the entire process lasts about ten minutes, just ten minutes of your time, and that’s gonna help a lot of people … more than you’ll know.”
What motivated you to participate in the Blood Drive?
“I used to donate back home in Ireland, where I’m from, and then the U.S had a law that you couldn’t donate if you grew up in Europe, and so they just changed that … my son actually got a blood transfusion when he was born and so I’ve always wanted to donate so now that I’m able to [I decided to donate].”
What would you say to someone hesitant about donating?
“I’ve known a few people who’ve needed blood in the hospital and its like a really easy thing you can do, I started doing it when I was 18 and I’m 36 … its really quick and really easy and a nice time to take a little break as well take time out of your day go do something good … you get to sit and kind of relax… take a moment for yourself.”
What motivated you to participate in the Blood Drive?
“I had a grandpa who had cancer, and they get a lot of blood donations, so I always try to donate when I have the option.”
What would you say to someone hesitant about donating?
“It can be a little scary at first, but you don’t feel it all, and once you’re done, it feels great to know that you’ve helped someone else.”
What motivated you to participate in the Blood Drive?
“I’ve donated blood since I was a teenager and have done so consistently my whole life, and that is how I give back to the community.”
What would you say to someone hesitant about donating?
“If they can go out and do it, try. … I understand there is a fear of needles and there can be weirdness associated with your blood leaving your body, but it is a good way to give back and help out … with [the older generation] … it was their civic duty to donate blood, but now with that generation dying, there is a lack of donors so it really helps to get the young people onboard with doing it.”
What motivated you to participate in the Blood Drive?
“I decided to donate blood because it was on my bucket list for a long time, and I’m like, why not? I’m just gonna face my fears and do it.”
What would you say to someone hesitant about donating?
“It is scary, but you know what else is scary? Car accidents where people actually do need blood.”
What motivated you to participate in the Blood Drive?
“I’ve always kind of been curious about the whole process of it, and I also think that it’s a really good cause to maybe help people who need it more than I do.”
What would you say to someone hesitant about donating?
“It’s a great cause and there’s a deeper reason for doing it than just your fears… one donation can go such a long way”
What motivated you to participate in the Blood Drive?
“To support my husband…we have blood types that are in high demand, and there’s always a need. 11 years ago I had a serious incident happen to me and where I needed blood and if it wasn’t for somebody who took the time to donate…I may not have had what I needed.”
What would you say to someone hesitant about donating?
“It really depends on what they’re worried about. I would encourage them to ask questions and know that there’s a lot of education provided, so it’s really important to get educated prior to the experience and realize that they do a really great job, their professionals who know what they’re doing. It’s a very safe environment and a safe procedure.”
What motivated you to participate in the Blood Drive?
“I feel like just helping other people brings joy to me, and donating my blood to save other people’s lives.”
What would you say to someone hesitant about donating?
“If they’re afraid of needles, it’s not that bad and there are always people from our school talking to you the whole time … it’s just like a really good, friendly community they’ve built.”
What motivated you to participate in the Blood Drive?
“I’ve been doing this every year since freshman year, and I thought it would be fun and I like helping people.”
What would you say to someone hesitant about donating?
“Think of all the positives in the end, and if you get over your fears, then you’ll also improve yourself in the process.”
What motivated you to participate in the Blood Drive?
“Knowing that I’m going to be saving lives with my blood is really cool to know.”
What would you say to someone hesitant about donating?
“It genuinely did not hurt at all, it’s just like getting a shot, and having people around you to support you was just really nice .. it was not a bad experience.”
Students who are unable to donate but still want to participate in the Red Cross can look into other community and volunteering events hosted by the Red Cross. “A lot of people think that blood drives are our main focus …. but we do a lot of disaster-focused drives too,” CHS Red Cross President Akhila Pattmatta said.
Blood Drive volunteers (from left to right) Adrian Weisman, Kenneth Aseyev, Aditi Manjunath, and Lyra Bajaj take a lunch break before returning to their Blood Buddy duties.
