To help save lives, students and community members gathered at the Campus Christian Center Thursday to donate blood. 

Hosted by the Red Cross Club, blood drives takes place around once a month in the CCC.

The Red Cross Club organizes multiple blood drives throughout the year, and the events are open to the campus and community, according to Red Cross member Chris Vonscio.

Vonscio said he joined the Red Cross Club so he could get community service and volunteer hours.

“I think it’s just a good event here on campus to get students involved with helping out other people,” Vonscio said.

Grant Hawthorne, a Red Cross Club member and senior exercise physiology major, said he believes it is important to donate blood whenever possible because there is always a need.

“For some people, it’s really hard to find a perfect match,” Hawthorne said. “It’s up to us help out people like that.” 

Hawthorne joined the Red Cross Club to build his resume while applying to different physical therapy schools.

“The Red Cross Club is really good for getting volunteer hours, as well as doing some community service,” Hawthorne said. “It also looks really good if you are trying to apply for PT schools or med schools.”

Vonscio said he also believes that it is important to donate blood if one is able to because not everyone can. 

“There are always people who are in need of blood, but not everyone is able to donate,” Vonscio said. “It is important that if you are able to donate, you take the time out if your day to do so.”

Douglas Workman, a junior marketing major, took the time out of his day to donate blood, and he said it makes him feel like he has made a difference. 

“I decided to donate blood today because I don’t mind needles, and I feel like they do these blood drives for a reason,” Workman said. “People are always in need of blood, and I want to do whatever I can to help out.”

For students who are scared to donate, Vonscio said the process is not as bad as it seems. 

“There are workers here who are willing to sit with you and answer any questions you may have,” Vonscio said. “And we can walk through the process with you as slow as you want so it’s less scary.”

Julianna Everly can be contacted at [email protected].