A total of 115 students signed up to donate at the blood drive on Thursday, Oct. 13 – so many, in fact, that ASB had to turn down 27 because of space issues.
Student donors spent time waiting in the Psalm Center for each of their turns to donate a pint of blood. The relative discomfort of a needle in the arm – and the weak feeling often following it – wasn’t enough to dissuade them from a cause they felt was worthwhile.
ASB Vice President Kevin Coriano, who organized the event, was pleased with the positive response from students and the high turnout. He enjoyed planning the blood drive because of its different focus from other ASB events.
“All other activities are fun and games,” he said. “The blood drive is giving back to the community; it’s a responsible commitment, and it saves lives.”
According to the American Red Cross, each blood donation saves between one and three lives, which means that Corban’s donation today help save anywhere from 88 to 264 lives. Corban students embraced this responsibility to sacrifice something of themselves for people who desperately need it.
“It saves lives. It’s a need. It’s important for people who aren’t squeamish around needles to step up,” said student John Bennett, who donated blood for the first time.
An added perk to this year’s Corban blood drive was ASB’s choice to give t-shirts to blood donors. “We thought it would be fun, and we have the budget,” said Coriano. “Plus people will be proud to show off.”
Student Julia Quiring enjoyed the experience of giving blood. “My blood-sucking lady had to hold the needle the whole time because my vein is squirmy,” she said. “But she was funny and easy to talk to.”