New Hyde Park Students Give Blood for Those in Need

Submitted by Sewanhaka Central High School District.

In an effort to help others, members of the New Hyde Park Memorial High School’s Red Cross Club coordinated a blood drive with the New York Blood Center.

Held in the school’s gymnasium, the event gave students an opportunity to donate blood, which Club Advisor Kim Karcz described as a positive, life-long experience.

“This is something that will stay with them after high school,” Karcz said. “If more people would get over the initial fear of giving blood, maybe more people would donate.”

Prior to the event, members of the Red Cross Club visited classrooms throughout the school building to provide students with information regarding the importance of donating. They also distributed permission slips to students who were 16 years old and older.

Club members were also on hand during the blood drive, registering donors and giving out bracelets. They also created handmade cards and made sandwiches to thank those who donated. According to Red Cross Club President Teena Thomas, when students donate blood they made a real difference in the lives of others.

“When you read stories of people who have survived because of people donating, it really shows how much impact one student can have,” Thomas said.