Driven to Give Blood

Although many students look forward to turning 17 so they can legally watch an R-rated movie, Calabasas High senior Kimia Vafi couldn't wait to hit that age so she could donate blood–and she's done it six times already.

Since the beginning of the school year she's organized three blood drives at  Calabasas, including one Friday at the campus theater.

"Everyone who donates can save up to three lives," Vafi said. "With all of our blood drives we've saved about 1,000 lives." 

More than 100 people, about 90 of whom were students, showed up to the latest drive, made possible by the American Red Cross.

Senior Josh Lainger said donating holds special meaning for him.

"Donating blood helped keep my mom alive .... She only lived as long as she did because people were kind enough to donate their blood," he said.

It was Lainger's second time donating, and he expects to give again in the future.

"It's a really good thing to do if you can give blood. I recommend it," he said.