The Red Cross Club at St. Charles High School spent the past two weeks drumming up support for its recent blood drive. But it didn’t take much convincing to sign up volunteers. “Not at all,” said Helena Caaya, a junior and president of the Red Cross Club.
The main hurdle to clear was making sure volunteers met the donation criteria. To donate, a person must be at least 17 years or older (or have parental permission at 16), meet the height and weight requirements, have not received a tattoo within the past year, along with a list of other caveats. “We have some new donors this year who weren’t old enough last year,” Caaya said. “There are strict rules you have to follow to donate.”
Logan Blaise, a junior, signed up because he likes helping others. “I don’t do the hard work, they do,” he said, nodding toward Stephi Fonou, a phlebotomy technician drawing his blood. “It can literally save people’s lives … with little effort on your part.”
Each pint of blood can save up to three lives, according to the American Red Cross. Among those who receive blood donations are cancer patients, trauma patients, those with sickle cell disease, people with chronic illnesses and burn patients.
Dashawn Robinson, a senior, donated because he thought it was the right thing to do. “It’s going to help someone,” he said. “You don’t know where or when you or somebody will need it.”
At St. Charles, 10 teachers and 37 students signed up to donate with 24 completing successful donations. About half of those were first-time donors, said Brian Reip, a resource teacher who sponsors the club along with math teacher, Alicia Steward.
“We are always excited when we have first-time donors who are able to successfully give,” Reip said. “And we are always excited and proud of our student volunteers who embrace the mission of a blood drive and the value behind saving a life.”
To find an upcoming blood drive, go to http://tinyurl.com/y3h3ttgg.
About CCPS
Charles County Public Schools provides 27,108 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 36 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.
The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Kathy Kiessling, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial M. Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.
[ This article originally appeared here ]
The main hurdle to clear was making sure volunteers met the donation criteria. To donate, a person must be at least 17 years or older (or have parental permission at 16), meet the height and weight requirements, have not received a tattoo within the past year, along with a list of other caveats. “We have some new donors this year who weren’t old enough last year,” Caaya said. “There are strict rules you have to follow to donate.”
Logan Blaise, a junior, signed up because he likes helping others. “I don’t do the hard work, they do,” he said, nodding toward Stephi Fonou, a phlebotomy technician drawing his blood. “It can literally save people’s lives … with little effort on your part.”
Each pint of blood can save up to three lives, according to the American Red Cross. Among those who receive blood donations are cancer patients, trauma patients, those with sickle cell disease, people with chronic illnesses and burn patients.
Dashawn Robinson, a senior, donated because he thought it was the right thing to do. “It’s going to help someone,” he said. “You don’t know where or when you or somebody will need it.”
At St. Charles, 10 teachers and 37 students signed up to donate with 24 completing successful donations. About half of those were first-time donors, said Brian Reip, a resource teacher who sponsors the club along with math teacher, Alicia Steward.
“We are always excited when we have first-time donors who are able to successfully give,” Reip said. “And we are always excited and proud of our student volunteers who embrace the mission of a blood drive and the value behind saving a life.”
To find an upcoming blood drive, go to http://tinyurl.com/y3h3ttgg.
About CCPS
Charles County Public Schools provides 27,108 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 36 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.
The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Kathy Kiessling, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial M. Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.
[ This article originally appeared here ]