Key Club blood drive set for Monday

Senior+William+Lemstrom+donates+blood+at+school+on+Nov.+10.

Kristina Youngson

Senior William Lemstrom donates blood at school on Nov. 10.

With plans to tackle yet another volunteer project and lend a helping hand, Key Club intends to host its second blood drive of the year on Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. This is a result of the last drive being a success, according to the secretary of the club, senior Malika Shahzad, as 61 people signed up to donate.

“There were so many kids that we had to stay until 3:30 p.m. instead of 2:30 in order to finish everything,” Shahzad said. “So this year, we’ve prepared by having two buses ready instead of one.”

This is not the only tweak in the process, however, as there has been a change in plans in terms of donations.

“What makes this drive so special is that for each donor Key Club gets $1,” said senior Daphna Krause, president of Key Club. “So if 90 people sign up to give blood, then the club will get $90. Overall it’s a great way to help someone in need while also helping your school.”

And that’s not the only change with this blood drive. Although donors will still receive free pizza and a wellness checkup, including blood pressure, temperature, pulse and cholesterol screening, they will not be claiming the customary reward of a shirt.

“Donors for the blood drive will receive fleece blankets instead of the traditional T-shirt as a thanks to all of their donations,” Krause said. “But there will still be free food for the donors as well just like every year, of course.”

Despite these changes, Key Club officers expect the drive to continue attracting many students, such as junior Josephine Flickinger. Having been a participant of Key Club’s previous blood drive, she found the experience to be a positive one and plans to continue partaking in the event.

“I enjoyed participating in the blood drive last time,” Flickinger said. ” Not only was I able to help someone in need, I got rewarded with free pizza. I will definitely be donating again.”

By Elizabeth Marrin