Central Michigan Life

Issue date: 10/15/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Matthew Stephens Jennifer Hall, Lansing donor technician, bandages Greenville sophomore Nicole McDonald's arm in Emmons Hall on Tuesday. McDonald stopped to give blood because she thought it was a good thing to do. [Click to enlarge]

There are many reasons why people give blood.

For George Chittenden, the decision came down to saving a few lives and taking part in a little school rivalry.

"They could do it for the free stuff, or they could just really want to beat Western," the Spring Lake freshman said Monday. "I do it because I have a rare blood type, and the whole beating Western part isn't so bad."

Each year Central Michigan University competes with WMU to see which school can donate the most blood in the CMU vs. WMU Blood Challenge.

Blood donations will be accepted from noon to 5:45 p.m. each day until Oct. 25 in the Towers Residence Hall. Walk-in appointments will be accepted, but appointments are encouraged.

The annual program's goal this year is to obtain 500 units of blood.

That means organizers need at least 750 people willing to donate, said David Weston, community coordinator for the Central Michigan chapter of the American Red Cross.

"This program is really meant for saving lives and you know, kicking Western's butt," Weston said.

This is CMU and WMU's ninth annual blood drive challenge. CMU has won five out of eight years, Weston said.

The theme for the first week is "Pint for a Pint." Each donor will receive a coupon for a free pint of Culver's Frozen Custard.

Then, during the second week, each donor will receive a free T-shirt, while supplies last.

"I give blood all the time, so I heard of the event and decided it was time for me to give blood again," said Frasier freshman Diana Murdock. "Plus the people here are really nice."

Donors must be at least 17, years old, have not given blood for the past 56 days, weigh at least 110 pounds, and cannot be on any type of medication or have had a tattoo or piercing within the past year.

"I volunteered here to help give back to the community, I serve cookies and punch, and I am happy to help," said Lincoln Park junior Amee Wisniewski.

Watson said no one has passed out. He said to prevent it a person willing to donate should get tons of sleep, eat a good meal before coming and be healthy.


news@cm-life.com

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