Today from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Huntley High School hosted a blood drive with Heartland Blood Centers. The event, which took place in the lobby of the Performing Arts Center, was open to Huntley students as well as residents of the surrounding community.

The high school usually hosts blood drives twice a year, and has been doing so for the past couple years, according to Student Council President Aesha Talia.

Huntley’s Student Council helped to run the event, and members volunteered for time slots throughout the school day to perform tasks like directing students to the proper places and ensuring that they’re in the right place at the right time. Student Council Adviser Tom Kempf was also in charge of the event.

Heartland Blood Centers sent representatives to actually collect the blood, and the not-for-profit organization additionally provided flyers and posters for the event. According to www.heartlandbc.org, all blood donated is then distributed to the 12 local counties that the organization serves.

Students who donated blood needed to meet certain requirements, including being at least 16 years of age, weighing at least 110 lbs., and having a parent-signed Heartland permission slip. A photo ID was also necessary to participate in the drive.

“There’s usually about 150 [students] that can make it,” said Talia. “Some are deferred for due to low iron levels and low weight, but it’s a pretty good turnout.”

Those who participated received free cotton lounge pants for their donations. An additional benefit of donating is that if a student donates through the school on six different occasions, he or she becomes eligible for the Red Cord award to wear at graduation.

“Do come to these drives,” said Talia. “It helps the community, and is a way to interact with the community as well. It’s a great opportunity.”