The student news site of The Harker School.

Harker Aquila

The student news site of The Harker School.

Harker Aquila

The student news site of The Harker School.

Harker Aquila

Winged Post
Newsletter

Successful annual blood drive held

The Red Cross Club hosted the annual blood drive on Wednesday, February 3, with Blood Centers of the Pacific. Faculty, staff, parents, and students participated in donating blood in order to help out others in need. Out of the 110 who signed up, 75 ultimately were able to give blood.

White coats, needles, medical chairs, and the smell of the cleanliness of a doctors’ office permeated the atmosphere as the anticipating donors sat on the cold, green folding chairs in the gymnasium. Although some were regular blood donors, most had never given more than the amount needed for a blood test.

In planning the event, the club decided to provide breakfast for all donors. Alex Han (12), president of the Red Cross Club, said, “One new feature we added for the blood drive this year is a blood drive breakfast. Since donating blood is a huge commitment on the donors’ parts, we thought it would be a nice way to thank them in advance for their help.”

Throughout the day, the gym was filled with students in 11th or 12th grade, most of whom were first-time donors. Many who had not met the requirements last year took the new opportunity.

“I really wanted to do it last year and now also, especially because of everything that’s happened in Haiti. I really feel like it’s our duty to help people in need and I don’t think that donating blood is such a painful process,” Daniel Cho (11) said.

Even faculty, staff, and parents participated in the drive. Denise Hayashi, senior advisor, said, “I wanted to help the Haiti victims. I mean, isn’t that what we’re all here for?”

However, students who were healthy and ready to donate were often turned down. Daisy Lin (12) commented, “I think [the requirements] were ridiculous. I really wanted to donate, but to qualify I had to gain almost 20 pounds.”

Sebastian Herscher (10), who met the height and weight requirements, was also unable to donate for a different reason. “While I would have liked to, I was in Costa Rica last December. Because of supposed blood-borne diseases that existed, I am not allowed to give blood.”

Craig Hough, supervisor of the blood drive, expressed his amazement in all the students who chose to participate. “I think kids coming here to give blood is perfect. Blood drives start with the youth. Statistics show that if you donate three times in high school, that you usually become a lifetime donor.”

Even though the blood drive was not directly meant for Haiti victims, the organization wanted to be ready to act. “Well from our standpoint, we haven’t been called to go to Haiti. What we like to tell people is, that if we are called, we would rather be ready to give than having to wait to call our donors and say ‘Hey, we need you for Haiti now.’”

The community came together to work towards a cause bigger than any one of them. Even though many were nervous prior to their appointment, they overcame their fears and gave a little bit of themselves to make a difference in saving a life.

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