On October 24, Loretto Academy hosted its biannual blood drive.

Students, friends, and family supported the cause and donated.

Vitalant and Loretto make sure to emphasize the importance of donating blood.

Vitalant is one of the nation’s largest non-profit blood service providers.

The National Honor Society (NHS) requires each of its members to bring in at least five donors.

“This blood drive went very smoothly. 

“NHS members really stepped up to help out. 

“It shows that people know the impact they’re making by supporting Vitalant,” Melissa Hidalgo, vice president of NHS, said.

Vitalant does everything from giving out t-shirts to informing donors on what their donations were used for.

“We have 188 people signed up to donate on October 24, and 41 people are signed up for October 29.

“You girls got the same amount of donors that 6A high schools [high schools with the largest amount of students] typically get. 

“It’s amazing how you get the entire community to come out,” Julie Jones, a Vitalant employee, said.

After donation, blood has a shelf life of only 45 days.

Donors are aware of the impact they are making.

“This was my first time donating blood. It hurt more than I thought it would, but I’d do it again. 

“I’m proud of myself for being able to help the community,” Sebastian Cruz, who came to donate blood on October 24, said.

It is for this reason that this event should be viewed as more than just an NHS requirement but also an opportunity to save lives.