World Journalism held a blood drive, sponsored by the New York Blood Center from one p.m. to six p.m. on Friday, October 28th. But it wasn’t only for WJPS students to participate in, it was open to anyone over the age of 16 and weighted more than 110 pounds. Also, there are extenuating conditions to giving blood such as tattoos having to be over a year old, and having blood free of antibiotics, etc.
“It was heart warming for me because over the summer I almost lost my best friend and donating blood saved her life,” said Stephanie Troumouhis, junior. “It was my first time and it was nothing like I’d expected. I thought I’d be scared but I wasn’t, because I realized all the lives I was saving.”
This small form of a miracle was made possible by the Greek Club, who had members restocking free fresh snacks for the blood donors and helping donors fill out the necessary forms.
“It was very good, I helped out with the snacks,” says Ashley Urena, a junior and member of the Greek Club. “Well, I was kind of scared, because I’m donating in January, and they said the needle hurt. But they were relieved afterwards because they knew they saved three lives and I hope I feel the same way.”
The school is planning to have another blood drive sometime in January, so those who missed out can donate this time around. Those who already donated can assist in saving even more lives.