Colton, CA—Colton High School’s ASB held the third blood drive of the year in the Mac Gym on Wednesday. Everyone but one person who signed up went and donated blood. 

As of right now, the Inland Empire and San Bernardino County are currently experiencing a blood shortage. Giving blood is a way of performing a civic duty for the Colton Community and the county at-large.

“We save plenty of people’s lives, and a lot of people have good reasons to come too. There’s people whose significant others, or children, have been injured, so they want to give back,” said Breanna Trevino, a Livestream Donor Specialist.

Although ASB did not get the results they hoped for, 50+ students still showed. ASB director Alexandra Buskirk said they reached two-thirds of their goal.

ASB and other leadership students aided donors so they wouldn’t feel alone and had a hand to hold if they felt nervous.

Sophomore Grace Osueke, who was assisting at the blood drive, said, “I decided to help with the blood drive to help the hospitals; helping here helps them over there, and their lack of blood. It’s also saving people’s lives.”

Snacks and water were made available at the resting area to restore donors’ energy. Leadership students also used the resting areas to watch for any fatigue in the donors. 

Many of the Livestream Staff were astonished by how prepared and professional the leadership students were. The donors felt comfortable with them. 

“I feel good,” said senior Leea Palma. “The nurses took care of me very good, and the staff was really nice.”