By Riya Lukose
Throughout the 2021-2022 school year, New Hyde Park Memorial High School’s Red Cross club has worked hard to host blood drives to supply those in need. The club has held three blood drives this school year. The first was on October 29, and was dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness month. The second blood drive was held on January 14, and the third was recently held on June 3. With the vast amount of students and teachers donating blood, many were glad to be back, while others had a memorable first experience.
“It was really amazing to see the amount of people who were willing to donate blood. My experience felt eye-opening since this was my first time donating,” senior Angelina Ng said. “This year I wanted to take the opportunity to donate blood since I’ve always seen it around school, and as a senior, I wanted to give what I could.”
Source from Emilia Szynwald
Senior Jarek Joseph prepares to donate blood.
“This is my second time donating blood, and it felt very cool to see all the students and teachers helping out,” junior Gisu Park said.
The success of these blood drives can certainly be attributed to the numerous posters around the school and shares on social media. Oftentimes, members of the club hand out posters and hang them up on the wall to inform students, staff and faculty about upcoming blood drives. Easy access to registration allows students and faculty to scan a QR code and fill out an online form for an appointment.
“Throughout the year we did a lot of blood drives and during Halloween one year we educated children about donating,” Red Cross Club secretary senior Anitta Kottai said. “Seeing community turnout and participation at these events was super encouraging.”
Source from Emilia Szynwald
Junior Andrew Canese (left front), junior Tina Torre (right) and sophomore Kaitlyn Bell enjoy snacks after donating blood.
With a single blood donation being able to save up to three lives, it is no doubt that donating blood is an act of kindness that many eligible students and teachers should consider. Not only do those in need benefit, but the donors themselves get a free physical and a calorie-free snack, since it takes the body about 500 calories to replace one blood donation.
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