For nearly two decades, students and community members have come together to support a local high school blood drive that continues to make a difference.
Blood Drive organizer, health teacher Rebecca Wing said, “Students and community members have been donating blood through the drive for approximately 17 to 18 years, creating a tradition centered on helping save lives and encouraging students to give back to their community.”
The blood collected during the drive is donated to New York Blood Center, one of the main organizations in the Hudson Valley responsible for collecting and distributing blood to hospitals and patients in need. Wing said her favorite part is, “Knowing that we are helping save people’s lives.” She also enjoys seeing students donate blood for the first time and learn the importance of helping others.
Over the years, the blood drive has created many memorable moments. One tradition includes a student dressed in a blood drop costume walking through the high school to remind students about donation day and encourage participation.
DF high school students, along with Wing, are the organizers of the event. They are able to earn tickets to a New York Yankees game because of the success of the blood drive. Participants even had the opportunity to go onto the field during the event. Students involved in successful blood drives may also become eligible for college scholarships.
Beatrice, a high school student who currently helps run the blood drive, said the event is a rewarding experience for students because they are able to donate blood while supporting an important cause.“The students get to donate, and the blood is going to a good cause,” Beatrice said.
The annual drive continues to encourage both first-time and returning donors to participate, helping provide lifesaving blood donations to people throughout the region.