Royal Purple

Issue date: 4/23/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Joy Kowald Senior Tommy Torkelson donates duel blood cells during last week's blood drive. The blood drive was sponsored by the Student Optimist club and the American Red Cross. The two organizations collected 274 units of blood April 15-17.

The Student Optimist club partnered with the American Red Cross to collect 274 units of blood last week during a blood drive in the University Center.

The blood drive lasted April 15-17 with a goal of 210 donors, senior Tara Hoaglund said on behalf of the Student Optimist club. Enough donors turned out to easily reach the goal before the period was finished.

"Our goal each day was 70 [donors], so this has actually been really good because in the past, involvement has been lower," Hoaglund said.

Turnout in the spring for the once-a-semester event is usually lower due to the nice weather, she said.

"I'm surprised it went this well, but happy," Hoaglund said. "[Students] should donate because sometime in their lifetime they will know someone who will need blood components."

Teaming up with Hoaglund were juniors Angela Klang and Nate Yaun. Yaun and Klang are poised to head up the event next year without Hoaglund for the first time in five years.

"We'll be on our own next year," Yaun said.

Yaun said it is important for students to know the benefits of donating blood.

"Some people just don't like blood and don't like needles, which is unavoidable," he said. "People think it's going to take a lot of time, but if you're just giving a straight donation and make an appointment it goes pretty quick."

Although appointments are recommended, walk-ins are welcome too.

On a practical level students get one and a half volunteer hours and certain classes give extra credit to students who participate, Yaun said.

"I'm not doing it for hours or extra credit," Senior Jackie Kresmer said. "I started donating when I was in high school and continued because it was easy; it was on campus. I can donate, so I do."

Kresmer received a pin after her donations totaled a gallon of blood since she began donating.

"I didn't even know they gave out pins here," she said

Kresmer said she usually donates 2-3 times a year.

To be eligible to donate, students must be in good health, weigh at least 110 pounds, be 17-years-old and have not donated in 56 days. according to the American Red Cross.

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