STUDENTS DONATE BLOOD — The student council at Buckeye Local High School hosted its bi-annual blood drive Nov. 3, with 35 people, including students, registering to donate blood. The student council joined forces with Vitalant for the collections. A second blood drive will be held in the spring. Among those making contributions toward the cause were junior Frankie Sawko, front, and Jadyn Pleise. -- Contributed

CONNORVILLE — Buckeye Local High School students helped save lives during the first of the schools two blood drives that are taking place throughout the school year.

Student council students joined Vitalant on Nov. 3 to collect blood from the 35 people registered for the event.

Held in the high school gymnasium, officials explained donors were predominantly students, as there were no community members involved this time.

However, the doors may be open to the public in the future. Members of the student organization occupied the registration and canteen areas to assist donors, while Vitalant personnel oversaw the blood collection.

The club’s co-advisers, Bailey McBeth and Sondra Lachendro, said there is always a need for blood, noting it is imperative to find people to donate.

Students worked to promote the drive throughout the school, putting out the call to other students.

“We did this for the high school kids and maybe next year it will be opened up to the community,” McBeth said.

“Last week, we had a representative of Vitalant who met with kids during lunch and Mrs. Lachendro printed signs that we posted around the school,” she continued. “This is a life-saving opportunity for these kids and they could make an impact on someone they may never meet.”

“It’s vital,” Lachendro said of the need for blood. “Most hospitals in the area were using Vitalant’s service — and the blood stays local.”

In fact, one pint of blood can support more than one person, particularly since it contains red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, officials commented. Hospitals use blood donations for surgeries and cancer treatments.

Among the students who took part in the drive were first-time and repeat donors, all of whom said it was important to give.

“I heard it helps save a life,” said sophomore Sean Turner. “I stepped forward and said I’d do it.”

“I gave blood to my dad before and I’ve kept donating,” added senior Kaiden Thompson, who was making his third contribution.

“I just wanted to be helpful,” explained freshman Haleigh Brown, another first-time donor. “If your blood is good, you should donate.”

Juniors Frankie Sawko and Jadyn Pleise said they wanted to take part in the drive and donated during the event.

“I did this to help people,” Sawko said, with Pleise adding “It is very important.”

Vitalant representatives said there is an increased need for blood donations during the winter months. As an added incentive for those donating in November, they will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of two $10,000 gift cards.

The student council plans to host another blood drive during the spring.