Hundreds turn out for annual blood drive

The university teamed up with the Blood Bank of Delmarva Wednesday to hold the fifth annual Colonial Athletic Association Blood Challenge in the Trabant Multipurpose Room. 

The CAA Blood Challenge consists of 12 schools, including Hofstra, James Madison, Drexel, and Towson, competing to donate the most blood during a campus-wide blood drive.

Carrie Aiken, a spokesperson for the Blood Bank of Delmarva, said that last year, the university totaled 604 donors and came in second place to Drexel.

“We have really high hopes this year,” Aiken said. “We should know the outcome of the competition by early December.”

Aiken said many of the students were first-time donors. Before donating, all donors needed to get their vitals checked to make sure they are good candidates, she said.

Freshman Anthony Walther, a first-time donor, said he was inspired by the challenge but mostly donated blood for personal reasons.

“I did it because it seemed like a good thing to do,” Walther said. “And there's also the cookies.”

Junior Chad Gordon said he tries to donate blood whenever possible.

“I give blood because I'm a nursing major, and I want to help people,” Gordon said. “It's good to give a couple minutes of your time to save someone's life.”

Sophomore Hannah Volpert said she had no idea she was contributing to a competition. 

“I donate because I can,” Volpert said. 

Daniel Will, supervisor of donor scheduling at the Blood Bank of Delmarva, said he was thrilled to be at the challenge. Inspiring students is one of the most important things to do, he said.

“I've always been a lifesaver,” Will said. “I donate blood four to five times a year.”

Freshman and second-time donor Colleen Ruoff said she encourages her friends and family to donate blood. 

“Its quick, easy and not painful,” Ruoff said.

Aiken said she often deals face-to-face with patients whose lives were saved by simple blood donations.

“I think if everyone had my job, they would donate blood,” she said.

The blood will help save victims of traumatic car accidents, newborn babies, cancer patients and many others, Aiken said.

“All we can do is hope for the best,” she said. “Hopefully everyone will have a great experience and bring friends and family back.”  

 

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