Donating blood is one of the most valuable acts of altruism possible to man, and because of this, the local branch of Key Club International helps host a blood drive with the American Red Cross. This year the event will take place on Tuesday, February 3rd.

“It’s a really good cause that can help improve the lives of many people,” said junior Mitchell McDaniels, secretary of Key Club and one of the organizers of the event. “To see the blood packages makes you feel that you’ve actually done something that will really help others. Rather than just raising money, it’s more satisfying seeing blood which will directly help others improve their lives.”

Students that are at least 17 years old are allowed to donate, and their gesture will help improve the life of other three people.

“I believe that this could be the most successful blood drive so fat at Hammonton High School” said English teacher and co-adviser, Mrs. Tracy Davidson, one of the event organizers. “There’s a great need of blood donors, and I’m confident that this year will reach the set goal of at least 100 donations.”

The average need of blood in the United States is of one transfusion every 3 seconds. To be able to cure those in need, statistics reveal that it’s needed a blood donation every 10 seconds.

Even though there are many positive predictions about this year’s blood donation, there still are concerns that might not allow the red cross to receive all the donors’ help.

“My only concern is that not everybody might have enough time to donate,” said senior Danielle Pullia, president of Key Club and one of the organizers of the event. “It’s a slow process and packing requires some time, so nurses and doctors might start packing before everybody has got their chance to donate.”

Mr. Tom Boyd, who co-advises the Key Club with Davidson, emphasized the importance of the event despite the worry about time.

“Of course, there’s always the worry that not many might contribute,” said teacher Boyd, organizer of the event. “This is an important tradition that Hammonton High School started awhile ago, and it’s important to sensitize and encourage the students to donate blood.”

Hammonton seems to not lack of students willing to donate blood so to help those in need.

“It’s my first time donating blood,” said junior Casey Rowand. “I’m happy to give my help to others in this valuable cause.”

Senior Emily Hood agreed, but also has her concerns.

“I know how valuable my blood might be to somebody’s else life,” said senior Emily Hood. “My only concern is that I might pass out after I donate.”

The worry to pass out is a common concern in students, but those who have already donated once seem to lose the first-time worries, and are more supporting and willing to donate blood for the cause.

“I’ve already donated blood last year” said senior Kyle Snyder, “I don’t have any particular concern about the donation. I know that it’s for a good cause and that everything will go well.”

One of the greatest reasons that keeps people from donating blood is probably the idea of having to face the fear of needles and the sight of blood.

“I can’t stand the sight of blood, and for this reason I’m not a donor,” said senior Michelle Viggianes, “if the sight of blood was not a problem for me I would definitely give my contribution to the cause.”

“I think that the fear of needles is the only thing that keeps me from donating,” said junior Angelin Torres. “Otherwise I would be really happy to help.”

Some students do not donate because of the fear of fainting, the sight of needles and the sight of blood. However, experts declare that these issues can be easily overlooked if following some precautions.

“Fainting is not really common, and it rarely causes issues that should prevent students from donating another time” said the school nurse Christine Haines “If there is fear of blood and needles, just don’t look. Those who work in the blood drive are very skillful and the needle will hardly be noticed.”

There are also few advices to keep in consideration after having donated. “To drink about 4 cups of water will help the body find its equilibrium quicker, it’s important to keep the bandages clean, and just avoid doing heavy liftings and excessive exercise” said the school nurse Christine Haines “It’s good to rest for a day after having donated.”

The blood drive is able to raise awareness so that each year there are new students ready to donate, and that the percentage of people donating is able to increase upon the previous year.

“It’s my first time donating blood,” said senior Bryan Pitts, “I look forward to fill in the sign up sheets available in the cafeteria, and to start giving my support.”

Donating blood is a way to help somebody without asking something in return. It’s a priceless act of altruism that is meant to forever change someone’s life, and to possibly be the difference between life and death. Blood donations are a way to understand how everything is not always granted in life, and that donating a pint of blood sometimes becomes more like donating hope for life.