National Honors Society students helped to organize a blood drive for the Erie Community Blood Bank.

Wednesday, Sept. 6, marked the first blood drive of the year at Prep. Organized by Mrs. Hilliard and the NHS students, the blood drive provided a way for members of the Cathedral Prep community to have a positive impact in the lives of others.

“The NHS’s belief is to serve others,” Mrs. Hilliard said, “and donating blood is one way to do that.”

During the drive, 28 students and one staff member signed up to donate. After check-ins with the Community Blood Bank and donations were complete, 22 pints of blood were collected. The National Honors Society plans to have more drives throughout the school year, likely in winter and spring. They hope more students will be available to donate and help others in need.

Mrs. Hilliard says that they expect a lower turn out during the fall drive because fall sports and other seasonal activities fill the schedules of potential donators.

“We’re hoping for double that in the spring,” she said.

The NHS students helped to coordinate the drive with the Community Blood Bank, managing the student registration and sign ups, as well as encouraging donation and other tasks. Volunteers were encouraged by their desire to help Erie.

“It’s something simple that anyone can do,” said senior Drew Brown, NHS VP and student council PR officer, “and it helps the community.”

Those who chose to donate were treated to free snacks to help replenish nutrients lost during the donation. The event was designed to keep them safe and comfortable.

“The experience was professional and well done,” senior NHS member Tyler Irons said after donating. “I felt like I was in good care.”