Students Donate Time During Blood Drive

By Martha Coville

“We can’t give blood because we’re under 18, but I think it’s important to give out snacks after,” said Reed Intermediate School sixth grade student Annie Beier. As treasurer of the Interact Club, she helped organize student volunteers during a recent American Red Cross Blood drive in the school’s cafetorium.

Interact is a division of the Rotary Club, organized to give students community service opportunities.

Interact member Elyse Knapp, also in the sixth grade, said that more than 50 club members showed up for the April 5 drive, which lasted almost six hours. Most students worked a one- or two-hour shift, she said.

Mackenzie Lapp, also in the  sixth grade said, “I’ve been asking the donors if they want food or a drink. Most of them want it.”

Mackenzie stood next to a folding cafeteria table covered with plates of homemade cookies and brownies. The students used money from previous fundraisers to buy juice and bottled water.

Mark Gerace, a physical education teacher at the school, sat on a bench with a bottle of juice. “I try to give blood regularly,” he said, “and I work here, so I want to help the cause.”

“We always need blood,” said charge nurse Melissa Carter from the Red Cross, as the blood drive wound down. “We’re not in an emergency situation right now, but nothing is ever thrown way.” She said Reed School parents and Newtown residents donated 56 pints.

Reed Vice Principal Tony Salvatore said Reed has been hosting an April blood drive since 2001.

(Photos of the Interact students volunteering their time during the blood drive will be posted online at NewtownBee.com.)