Each year, millions of people are in need of blood and each year many voluntarily give their own blood out of the goodness of their hearts. Wilkes University happens to hold blood drives throughout the school year to help the American Red Cross.

The most recent blood drive was held in the Henry Student Center Ballroom on Sept. 15. The goal for this blood drive was to have 55 donors. The goal was exceeded with about 79 people showing up and getting 67 productive units of blood.

Community service coordinator Megan Boone said that donating blood actually makes a difference in saving lives, which is a good incentive to participate.

“The neat part of being a blood donor is that you can save up to three lives,” Boone said.

Blood drives are held at Wilkes University every 56 days. Most of the blood drives are held in the ballroom. The typical blood drive runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Individuals can register to donate with Boone through email, or they can register on the American Red Cross website. First time donors will need to bring a driver’s license. Regular donors can bring their donor card.

Junior communications major Allie Naumann donated for the Sept. 15 drive.

“I decided to donate because I haven’t had the chance to donate in a while. It was a good experience, and I plan to donate at the next drive,” Naumann said.

The next blood drive at Wilkes will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 29 in the ballroom from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Boone says those interested in coming should stay healthy, get enough sleep, drink a lot of water and increase iron consumption .

According to the American Red Cross website, the flooding on September 8 forced the cancellation of more than 29 blood drives, which is causing a shortage.

“Anyone eligible to donate, please try,” Boone said.

For more information on the blood drives hosted by Wilkes, visit the website: http://www.wilkes.edu/pages/2045.asp

For further information about the American Red Cross, visit the website: http://www.redcross.org/