Though in the past, the leadership class has held donation drives for food and clothing, Tatavarthy sees the Blood Drive as a more direct way of saving lives.

“It is a really good way for students to contribute to a bigger community, and those of us who are old enough to [donate] get really excited about it,” Tatavarthy said.

Students ages over 16, weighing at least 110 pounds, are allowed to donate blood with parental permission. Students of age 16 must complete an additional parental consent form. Other requirements for donating blood include: not having Hepatitis after age 11, being free from any colds or the flu for 48 hours before donation, eating a light meal before donating and staying hydrated. Students who are unable to donate blood for this drive will have another opportunity to do so in March.

Senior Casey Bronec will be donating blood for the first time after convincing her parents that she is old enough to do so.

“I think there’s never enough blood a person can ever donate. It’s a really good way to give back because it’s really simple,” Bronec said. “I’ve had family members experience certain types of cancer where they’ve had to have blood transfusions, so [donating blood has] become an important part of my life.”

Blood drive donation forms can be found on School Loop or in the ASB office, and are due to the box in the ASB office by Oct. 31. Students who donate will be provided with food beforehand, and will receive a free AMC silver movie ticket. More information regarding the process of donating blood can be found here.