Two-day LifeShare blood drive starts today, donors have chance at $500 scholarships

Amanda Hayes

University Health Services will hold a LifeShare blood drive today and tomorrow in the DeWeese Health Center parking lot. Each donor will receive a free Chipotle burrito coupon and the opportunity to earn scholarship money.

Mary Reeves, director of Health Services, said for every 35 donations, $500 is added to the scholarship fund. Reeves said last year the university was able to award $500 scholarships to 19 students through the blood drives. This means at least 665 students donated blood, earning a total of $9,500 in university scholarships.

Reeves said the blood drives had an impressive turnout during the Fall 2007 semester. She said student donors earned 11 scholarships last term, which puts the university ahead of last year’s success rate.

“The generosity of students is astounding … It continues to impress me,” Reeves said.

Reeves said she hopes students continue to donate blood through the university, earning scholarship money for their peers along with saving lives. She said the scholarship program is a great opportunity for students to get involved, and she hopes the program continues to grow.

“I don’t know if students really know about this great opportunity,” Reeves said.

The LifeShare blood drive will run 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. Students can schedule appointments online at www.lifesharedonor.org, sponsor code KSUMAIN. Other opportunities to donate will continue throughout the spring semester.

– Amanda Hayes