Kaiden Knockel

Of The Gleaner

Wahlert Catholic is hosting a blood drive Wednesday, Nov. 10th, from 8:30 a.m till 1:30 p.m. The Student Senate is offering students 16 years of age and up an opportunity to donate their blood. 

This drive allows students to help people in need of blood and also saves lives.  Mr. Ralph Rollins started his donating journey while a senior in high school. Later on, his donation became more urgent when his first born was in need of blood while in the womb. 

“What better opportunity than for the blood to come from me?” said Rollins. In fact, all of Rollins’ children were in need of blood after birth because he and his wife had different RH factors. Mr. Rollins has been donating now for over 45 years and recently reached 10 gallons of donated blood.

Donating blood is effective for people of all types of ages and for people in need of heart surgery, organ transplants, and sometimes people with cancer. With every two seconds in the U.S someone is indeed of blood. 

Another avid donator is Mr. Ron Meyers. He first started donating when he was just 18 and has continued to donate blood till this date, recently completing his 130th donation. 

“It’s the one thing you can give that doesn’t cost you anything that is literally life saving,” described Mr. Meyers. 

He adds, “I think it’s a great resource to tap into for people who are 17 and 18 years old.” 

Overall the blood drive is a wonderful way to help out your community and save lives all by donating your blood. It only takes 10-15 minutes of your time and you’ll be able to enjoy snacks afterwards before you return to class.