CONNORVILLE- Buckeye Local High School students rolled up their sleeves to help save lives during the first of two biannual blood drives on Nov. 3.
The BLHS Student Council and Vitalant joined forces once again and 35 people were registered for the event in the junior high gym. Officials said donors were predominantly students and no community members were involved this time, but the doors may open to the public in the future. Members of the student organization occupied the registration and canteen areas to assist donors while Vitalant personnel oversaw the blood collection.
Club co-advisors Bailey McBeth and Sondra Lachendro said there was always a need for blood and it was imperative to find people to donate. They put out the call to students and worked to promote the drive throughout the school.
“We did this for the high school kids and maybe next year it will be opened up to the community,” said McBeth. “Last week, we had a representative of Vitalant who met with kids during lunch and Mrs. Lachendro printed signs that we posted around the school. This is a life-saving opportunity for these kids and they could make an impact on someone they may never meet.”
“It’s vital,” Lachendro said of the need. “Most hospitals in the area were using Vitalant’s service and [the blood] stays local.”
In fact, one pint of blood may support more than one person, particularly since it contains red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, and hospitals utilize donations for surgeries to cancer treatment. Students who took part included first timers and repeat donors, and all of them said it was important to give.
“I heard it helps save a life,” said sophomore Sean Turner. “I stepped forward and said I’d do it.”
“I gave blood to my dad before and I’ve kept donating,” added senior Kaiden Thompson, who was making his third contribution.
“I just wanted to be helpful,” said freshman Haleigh Brown, another first-time donor. “If your blood is good, you should donate.”
Juniors Frankie Sawko and Jadyn Pleise said they wanted to take part.
“[I did this] to help people,” Sawko said.
“It’s very important,” Pleise commented.
Vitalant representatives said there is an increased need for blood donations during the winter months, but there was an incentive and those who donate in November will be entered for a chance to win one of two $10,000 gift cards. Meanwhile, the student council planned to host another blood drive in the spring.