Today the National Honor Society led by Advisor Justine Lane held the 10th annual Blood Drive at CHS. In total there were 71 donors consisting of students, parents, and facility. The donation process was performed by employees of the Central Jersey Blood Center on their mobile donation buses.

“We set a record with 61 pints donated.   The Central Jersey Blood Center people tell me every year that this is their favorite school blood drive because it’s so calm and organized and because the kids are so wonderful.” Lane said.

Ms. Lane attributed much of the success of the event to the students that organized and operated the day.

“The students are great.  I just let them know what’s expected and help them get started.  After that I just check in once and a while and help solve problems.” Lane said.

Senior Johnny Callaghan of Wall was the member of NHS responsible for organizing the blood drive and volunteers. Callaghan helped out last year and stepped up this year by taking charge of the event.

“Without NHS the Blood Drive would never be possible. The donations, volunteers, and most of the donors come directly from NHS. Its an event where everyone is involved in one shape or another,” Callaghan said.

Callaghan led the National Honor Society in bringing in a large quantity of snacks, desserts, and treats for the recovery room. NHS members are motivated to bring in treats and support the blood drive by being offered service hours or points that are required by the club.

Upperclassman also were able to donate blood. Several seniors were repeat donors after donating blood at last year’s Blood Drive. Senior Julia Harvey from Howell was among the repeat donors that had a rewarding experience donating blood for the second consecutive year.

“I was a little sick last year after donating but I still wanted to donate again this year because knowing I’m able to save three lives with that blood is a really awesome feeling,” Harvey said.

Other donors from the junior and senior class were first time donors. Junior Emileigh Evans from Wall was one of the first time donors that jumped at the opportunity to help others by donating blood.

“I like helping people and donating blood is a really easy way to do that. It helps that I didn’t have any side effects like other people seemed to have,” Evans said.

The Central Jersey Blood Center has locations in Howell, Shrewsbury, and Toms River. According to their website 65% of the blood donations they get are from mobile blood drives such as the one held at CHS. To learn more about getting involved and donating blood visit the Central Jersey Blood Center here.