West Chicago Community High School (WCCHS) hosted its annual spring blood drive on April 17, from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the small gym.

For more than twenty years, WCCHS has partnered with organizations to host annual blood drives. This spring, Versiti Blood Center collected blood from students and staff who signed up. In order to donate, students must be 16 or older and have permission from their parents if they are minors. There are also height and weight requirements to ensure the safety of donors.

Donating blood has its benefits; each donation has the power to save lives, support hospitals, and make a meaningful difference in the community. This shows students that even a small act can have a lasting impact.

“The main goal of the blood drive is to help replenish the blood supply in the Chicagoland area (which is often low),” school counselor Gavin Engel said.

The process is simple: students will bring photo identification (usually a state I.D), check in, take a quick questionnaire, and then sit in the chair to donate.

A trained phlebotomist will then insert the needle, and the donation will begin. Students are offered snacks and drinks to help replenish after the blood loss.

“I think Versiti does a good [job] with the donation process, because they don’t make it a long and difficult process. They make it quick and make sure you are comfy,” junior Abigail Ballard said.

For some, donating blood is more than just doing a good deed; it is often much more personal.

“I donate blood as a tribute,” Ballard said. “My grandfather donated over five gallons of blood before he passed away.”