“It’s the right thing to do,” Hallisy said. “It’s a wonderful event. The students greet you and take you step by step. Everyone takes good care of you. Afterwards, they make sure you’re ready to go home. It’s fantastic.”

A story to tellEach year, the Tremper student government welcomes a speaker into its classroom to discuss the importance of donating. This year, it was a Tremper student who shared a powerful story.

“Her mother passed away this year,” Hardy said. “Because of the blood donations at various drives, the family got an extra week with their mom. It meant so much for them to get those extra seven days she wouldn’t have had without blood donations. It really puts into perspective about what we’re doing and how important it is.”

The entire process typically takes about one hour. Potential donors register with a series of health-related questions and receive a quick finger prick to determine if they can donate. Those with low iron, low hemoglobin or even “thin veins” were unable to donate.

The turnout was so strong some walk-ins were turned away after 6 p.m.