On Monday, November 6, Williston will be hosting a blood drive in the Athletic Center.

The process is quick and harmless, but best of all, participating in it helps somebody in need. With all of the catastrophes in our country, such as shootings and hurricanes, giving blood will help many innocent victims.

Williston has been working with American Red Cross to organize these blood drives for many years. They set up shop in Williston’s gym a few times a year. The Red Cross Blood Drives began in 1985. Blood transfusion was a huge medical breakthrough; the first one was in 1984 in Rochester, NY.

With the advancement of technology through the years, transfusions are now extremely beneficial for those who need blood, but they must first find the blood.

Finding blood that matches a recipient is the most difficult part. People remain on the waiting list for blood matches for years. Therefore the more donors give blood, the more likely a patient will receive the blood her or she needs.

By having a blood drive on campus, Williston gives students an opportunity to give back in a different way. Blood drives are unique compared to fundraisers because you physically give a piece of yourself to an organization, which then gives it to a person who truly needs it for survival.

Many students on campus participate in the drives, including senior Connor Canterbury, who volunteered in two blood drives last year and encourages others to join in.

“”t really makes an impact on the lives of the people that need it,” said Connor. “Plus it’s really quick and easy, there’s really no reason people shouldn’t donate, unless they really can’t.”

This year donors will receive a coupon for a free smoothie or milkshake courtesy of the StuBop.

Another donor, Xander Rogers ’18, explained how easy it was to give to the organization. “It only takes half an hour,” said Rogers. “[Plus] it really goes a long way towards helping people.”

The blood drive is from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. next Monday (November 6).