LifeStream returned to Eleanor Roosevelt’s campus this past week to host their annual blood drive for students, staff and residents in Eastvale. Students that participated in this blood drive were rewarded with a ten dollar In-N-Out gift card, which caused a great turn out this year.
LifeStream asks for the same thing every year: one pint of blood, which can save up to three adult lives, in exchange for a gift card. They advertise the event about a month in advance, with posters around campus and on social media. Students can pick time slots from nine in the morning until three in the afternoon.
If a participant is under seventeen, they came with a parental signed permission slip, but participants over sixteen were allowed to participate without a parent or guardians written consent.
People who signed up were sent written slips at the time of their appointment, along with a text reminder. They then arrived in Roosevelt’s cafeteria. They filled out a health questionnaire, and then had a sample of their blood tested before their donation.
Students then waited for their turn to donate. ASB, which stands for Associated Student Body, handed out snacks and drinks to students before, during and after their donations. The whole process spanned from two to four hours, and the donation itself took about ten to twenty minutes.
Jóse Hernandez, a sophomore at Roosevelt, said, “I have never donated before, but I plan to in the future. This was a good first experience and I am excited to give more.” He continued, “The staff and students were friendly and the overall donation was not very painful, plus I got an In-N-Out gift card.”
Maryam Zarafshan, a resident of Eastvale, came in to donate after work and commented, “I donate regularly. It’s a small thing to do that goes a long way. I was present at the drive in Eastvale City Hall in August and July, and I think everybody should try to donate as often as they can, especially if events are being hosted at your high school.”
After completing their donation and resting for fifteen minutes, students were gifted their In-N-Out cards and sent back to class. An estimated two hundred students donated a pint of blood by the end of the event. LifeStream was extremely grateful for this turnout and encourages any person who can donate to contribute. It makes a big impact and can save lives. Zarafshan concluded her comments in an impactful manner, stating, “It’s as simple as this: be the change you want to see in the world and donate.”
