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Lindsey Smith

It’s a typical Monday morning, you’re barely awake during the first period, but someone comes up to you asking, “Want to give your blood away and make a difference?” Dreary-eyed, you reply saying, “Uh, sure, why not? ” But unbeknownst to you, participating in this blood drive would make a bigger difference than you could imagine. While being pampered on a comfy bed for a bit, and being treated with free pizza and cookies, you’ve become a superhero who volunteers to save lives, creating a greater connection between yourself and your community.

As the hosts for the drive, Key Club’s officer board worked every second until the day had come. Milagros Ortega, a senior and the President of the club, believes the time and effort put into this event that made it such a success, “When it comes to such big events, there’s always bound to be last minute cancellations or changes that have to be accounted for. So even though I made sure we planned for every minor thing, we still ended up running around during the day trying to get everything sorted. However, I’m really proud to say our board did amazing and we’ve had more people donate this year than the years prior.”

For seniors Camila Correa and Madison Toussaint, these donation drives sparked the beginning of friendships. Madison reveals, “Last year, I participated in one of the blood drives and was in the room with Camila, who I wasn’t really good friends with at the time. While we were together, we instantly clicked and bonded over the cold apple juice and our nerves. Afterwards, we took pictures with our blood bags and started speaking more often throughout the school year.” Now, the duo uses Key Club’s drive as an opportunity to revisit the beginning of their relationship!

With around 100 students participating in their first blood donation drive of the school year, Milagros shares her excitement for future drives, “We intend to have three more blood drives throughout the year: one in December, February, and April.” But as the year progresses, the anticipation for the senior scholarship winners will only continue to grow. The senior adds, “Our $1,400 scholarship that will be awarded to two seniors who have donated to at least one blood drive will be announced end of April, a week or two after our final blood drive!” 

As students exited the once-daunting room, they felt more than accomplished and appreciative. Camila, one of the participants in the drive adds, “I hope everyone who donated, and even those who didn’t get the chance to, felt the change they made today. Though we take it for granted, blood is the driving force of life and it’s so rewarding to help others.”