The second annual Homecoming blood drive proved so successful that some students had to be turned away from the bustling Red Cross stations in the Teaching and Learning Center Wednesday and Thursday.
The University of Idaho Homecoming committee organized the event with help from ASUI volunteer blood drive coordinator, Tyler Cook.
Lizzy Smith, one of two philanthropy chairs for UI’s Homecoming committee, said last year’s success made a Homecoming week blood drive worth doing again.
“It went really well last year so we decided to continue it this year,” Smith said. “It’s a cool way to give back on campus and incorporate the student body.”
The Homecoming committee got the word out to students and prepared for the arrival of Red Cross equipment. Students signed up for an appointment online or showed up between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the site. Smith said quite a few students had to wait to donate because of limited space and resources.
The blood drive contributes to UI’s count for the “Bloodiest Campus on the Palouse” competition. A contest between UI and Washington State University to donate the most units of blood to the Red Cross.
Tim Cook, ASUI Center for Volunteerism and Social Action coordinator, contacted the Red Cross in Lewiston about making a trip to Moscow during Homecoming week. Due to space limitations in the Red Cross’ trucks, ASUI organizers and Red Cross personnel aimed for 35 donations each day. They expect to meet and exceed that goal.
“There are about two blood drives each month here at UI and they are aimed at helping the Red Cross with their constant shortage of blood,” Cook said. “The blood drives here usually bring in about 40 to 50 units of blood each day of the drive, which goes to help the Red Cross quota of 200 to 250 units a day.”
Matt Osterling, a junior at UI, said he donated blood this week for the fourth time at a UI drive. Osterling said he sees the drive as an important part of Homecoming week.
“We have a responsibility to give back whether this goes to a student at UI or someone else,” Osterling said.
Osterling also said that as a member of a fraternity, he feels that Greeks have a responsibility to help out.
“We are held to a high standard, being Greek, and we need to put our best foot forward,” Osterling said. “Greek life has negative connotations so it’s important to put out a good image and do something good in the public eye.”
Osterling said if students have the ability to donate, they should conquer their fear of needles and do it.
Katie Bulcher, a UI sophomore, donated Thursday for the first time at a UI drive. Bulcher also felt that the blood drive was an important part of Homecoming week and a great chance to give back.
“The skits and stuff is entertaining for our benefit but this actually benefits people in our community,” Bulcher said.
“I was really nervous at first,” Bulcher said, “but I had a great experience.”