Student response to the Leonard Carmichael Society's second blood drive has been lackluster, despite a continuing need by the American Red Cross for more blood supplies. As of Sunday evening, 175 people had signed up to donate and organizers are hopeful more will apply before Wednesday.
"What concerns me is that people don't really understand that donating blood is an ongoing thing, and that it should be done on a regular basis," LCS blood drive organizer Dan Keesing said. "It is not something done once in a lifetime and never considered again."
The turnout on Monday was much less than the coordinators had hoped. "After the blood drive held for the Sept. 11 event, the urge to give blood has decreased. For example there was a shortage of blood in December," coordinator Matthew Alford said. "There is a big need for blood, but there is not much interest this time."
Those who did decide to donate blood found it to be a rewarding experience.
"I might as well do something for others, and donating blood is a good way to do it," sophomore donor Gabrielle Eklund said. "There is a need for blood right now, and it is the least we can do for people."
Junior Alex Foster, a donor who had just given blood and was eating snacks said that "it's pretty easy to do and for a good cause."
This year's donating procedure is different from previous years. Students register for the drive online through Tuftslife.com, allowing coordinators to organize donors according to their sign-up times and their names. Donors receive reminder e-mails prior to their donation day.
"It is more organized this way, and also it is easier for students to decide whether they want to donate or not since they don't have to sign their names right away in the dining halls," Keesing said. "Signing up online gives them more time to think about it without rushing."
The blood drive organization hosts the American Red Cross, and trained staff from the Red Cross take blood from donors.
There will be a raffle each day, and the Red Cross will give away one gift certificate of $25 for Border Caf?© in Harvard Square, and three pairs of tickets to Comedy Connection in Boston.
This year, LCS wants to make the drive more exciting by having a Valentine's Day theme, with the motto "Bring a date to the blood drive." LCS is also trying to make the drive more fun than past blood drives by playing romantic music on Wednesday.
The blood drive began yesterday, and will continue until Wednesday. Hodgdon Hall hosted yesterday's drive, which will move to Carmichael Hall on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Dan Keesing, Matt Alford and Marlon Thomas are the LCS coordinators in charge of the event.
