As the holidays quickly approach, CCHS students are partaking in the festivities and cheer. Ugly sweater parties, Christmas tree sales and toy drives are just a few of the ways that students and teachers alike are getting involved. Yet, participation in the season of giving is not exclusive to the typical activities of volunteering and shopping for holiday gifts. On November 28 and 29, NJROTC provided students with the opportunity to donate blood by hosting a blood drive on campus.
Each day of the blood drive, about 10 NJROTC students helped to make the donations run smoothly. They escorted students to and from their personalization classes and checked off the lists of those signed up to donate blood. Collectively, there were over 60 blood donations.
“The blood drive turned out great,” sophomore Cory Tombolesi said. “We had so many people show up to donate their blood both days. It was amazing.”
Though there is a widespread distribution of OneBlood buses and donation centers, the importance of donating blood often goes unnoticed by the majority of the population. According to the American Red Cross, every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. Despite the high demand for blood donations, less than 10% of the eligible population of the U.S. donates blood each year.
“You are saving somebody’s life by donating and making sure there is blood available at all times,” Commander Testa said.
Indeed, patients require blood transfusions for a variety of reasons, including serious injuries, blood loss during major surgical procedures or illnesses such as anemia or kidney disease. Platelets from the blood can also be transfused to cancer patients that experience lower platelet counts due to chemotherapy treatments.
“Everyone has the right to live,” sophomore Sam Testa said. “The blood drive gives those who are unfortunate enough to have been in a deadly accident or [have] a harmful disease that same right. It gives us a chance to save a life.”
The NJROTC has already considered the date of the next blood drive due to this significant issue. It will take place in the spring, and is planned to be as good as its winter counterpart.
The participation in the blood drive was evidence of the generous spirit that is characteristic of CCHS Cowboys. Amidst the holiday activities of making wish lists and indulging in seasonal treats, donating blood serves as an opportunity to give back in a small way, yet make an immeasurable difference.
Featured photo by Ben Milgram
