On Thursday, April 9, Huntley High hosted its second blood drive of the year.  The blood drive is administered by LifeSource, a non-profit organization that sets up blood drives in various areas, as well as their fixed locations.

Huntley High School’s Student Council sets up two blood drives a year for its students, and gives them the opportunity to earn a red cord by their senior year after donating blood at least four times in the school’s name.

“It’s very nice that you have young students doing this.  It’s good to attract young people so it’s a pleasure being here,” said Noemi Ramirez, LifeSource’s collection supervisor.

Nearly a pint of blood is taken in each donation, which has the potential to save the lives of three people.  William Spangenberg, team account manager for LifeSource, says that these blood donations are used for hospital patients like burn victims, people in need of surgery, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and more.

“The negative blood types are more rare.  Anybody who’s got an O or O negative, they really should donate, if they can,” said Spangenberg.

On that same Thursday, LifeSource held a blood drive at Crystal Lake Central, as they host about ten blood drives on a daily basis, according to Spangenberg.

“I donated because I knew that by being there I would be saving lives. I felt like the physical setback is worth the outcome especially because of how blessed I felt being able to help others,” said junior Nicole Zielinski.

Many students saw this blood drive as an opportunity to contribute to society and help those in need.

“If you’re able to do it, you should.  I don’t understand why the capable wouldn’t.  Doing something for humanity’s betterment is always a good feeling,” said sophomore Jaclyn Smitendorf.

Those who donated received complimentary sweatpants and a coupon for a free pint of frozen custard at Culver’s as a small token of appreciation for their generous donations.