Annual Fall Blood Drive Revisits Choate; Students Eager to Participate
By Asa Maynard '10
News Reporter
October 26th, Choate hosted the first of two annual blood drives. In years past, these blood drives have been successful. To donate blood, Choate students, faculty, and staff, as well as interested Wallingford inhabitants had to be of at least 17 years of age by the day of the drive and had to weigh at least 110 pounds.
Over the past few weeks, members of the Choate community who met the age and weight requirements could sign up outside the Senior Section of the Dining Hall. Adults living in the greater Wallingford area could sign up with the American Red Cross. A few days before the blood drive, letters were sent to everyone who signed up, reminding them of the blood drive and telling them ways to physically prepare for it. They were encouraged to get as much sleep as possible in the nights preceding the drive, as well as to drink ample amounts of water, and eat foods rich with iron.
As of last Friday, forty Choate students and faculty had already signed up still a far cry from Choate’s goal of 100 participants. From 100 people, a total of about 70 pints of blood could be taken. The blood would then be sent to UConn’s Blood Bank in Farmington to be screened and then shipped to either throughout the Greater New England area, or to the place with the most need.
The blood drive was almost fully funded by the American Red Cross. The only items that Choate supplied were the canteens and snacks and drinks for refreshment after the blood loss. The blood drive is always co-sponsored by two groups at Choate. The Interact Club, an umbrella organization that oversees all community service events at Choate, came together with the Class of 2007 to sponsor this fall’s blood drive.
The blood drive has consistently proven itself an opportunity for Choate students to fulfill their community service requirements. Throughout the day, students had the choice to go the Maguire Gym, where the drive was hosted, and do volunteer work. They had to sign in, and the list of volunteers was given to Mary Pashley, Choate Director of Community Service, who took note of the hours. Also, any students who donated blood had the hour that they spent at the gym recorded and added to their community service time.
A few things about this fall’s blood drive were different from the years past. For one, it was scheduled on the Thursday of Parents Weekend, in hopes that some early arrivals would donate. Also, it was especially dedicated to anyone suffering from any form of cancer.
The Spring blood drive is scheduled for the third Thursday in April. According to Ms. Pashley, Thursdays are the prime day for the drives, considering Choate’s rigorous sports schedule. It takes about 24 hours for the body to replenish the lost blood, and since athletes usually come off a large game on Wednesdays, they will have time to get back their energy before Saturday, another game day.
