BLOOD DRIVE
By Pam Reinig
Register Editor
A few years ago, blood donations nationwide were so low that serious shortages were predicted. While the supply is steadier today, donating blood remains an important cause, which is one of the reasons that Central students are backing a local blood donation effort.
“One in three people will need blood in their lifetime,” said Central senior Darci Eberhardt, one of four students coordinating the drive. “So, when you donate you could be helping a friend, family member or even yourself.”
“If you can’t think of any other reason to donate, do it because you get a free snack,” she added, with a laugh.
Joining Eberhardt in coordinating the effort are Shana Hilgerson, Laren Lenth and Kiana Stender. All four girls are National Honor Society officers. Assisting them are other NHS members, which is good because many hands are needed when it comes to organizing and coordinating a big project like this one.
“This requires a lot of people so it’s a good one for getting all NHS members involved,” explained Lenth.
The group has been responsible for publicity in the form of hanging posters in downtown businesses and around the school. They’ve also called past donors and created a workflow chart to cover various duties.
“We have people working different shifts. There’s a set-up shift and then there are workers checking donors in, talking to them while they are donating, leading donors to the snack area and refilling snacks,” Eberhardt said.
This is the second year for an NHS-coordinated blood drive, according to Central Counselor Jane Metcalf. The students decided as a group to take it on to give more meaning to their NHS membership.
“We hope this will be an annual thing,” Eberhardt said. “It’s a great service project for NHS members and it’s great for the community, too.”
Eberhardt hopes to donate and she said her mom will likely join her, as well.
“She’s pretty good about donating herself so I won’t have to drag her to this.”
The American Red Cross has a high school leadership program that includes the chance to win a scholarship. Several Central students could be in line for that opportunity.
The underlying reason for giving blood isn’t lost on these young organizers. All mentioned that a single donation could save as many as three lives.
“For us, it takes only a few minutes out of our day,” said Lenth, “but for those in need the blood could be a lifesaver.”
The Central Community School Blood Drive is Friday, March 20, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the main gym. For a donation appointment, call Deb Mulford at the Central Middle School/High School office. That number is 563-245-1750.
