Among its several philanthropic events, Key Club is well-known for its blood drives. They are held three times a year in LHS’s small gymnasium, and the first one of the 2024-2025 school year was on Tuesday, Nov. 26. Key Club partnered with the New York Blood Center (nybc.org), which has been distributing blood to those in need since 1964. Over 100 students, faculty, parents, and alumni contributed to the 131 pints of blood that were collected. These generous donors saved three lives each, and a total of 393 lives were saved. Key Club members said they were grateful for everyone who participated. “It was rewarding to see how amazing our first blood drive of the year was,” Co-President Kelsey Roth said. “I wouldn’t have been able to make it as successful without my other co-presidents, Dr. Tieniber, and all of the Key Club volunteers,” she added. In the days leading up to the blood drive, members of the club held sign ups, encouraging students to donate blood during lunch periods. 

Student volunteers helped make this day a success by taking on many jobs and responsibilities, including setting up equipment and materials in the gymnasium, checking in donors, and escorting them to places where they could enjoy a snack before or after giving their blood. “We all worked together and helped each other out throughout the whole day, to not only make the blood drive successful, but overcome any difficulties that may have occurred,” Roth explained. 

Many students who met the requirements also donated blood, including junior Kaden Rogers. “I chose to donate because an hour of discomfort is worth the lives I was able to save,” he expressed. The donations go to local hospitals and are used for blood transfusions, which treat patients with a variety of medical conditions. According to Red Cross Blood Donation (redcrossblood.org), blood transfusions are given to those who, among many things, have suffered traumatic injuries, are receiving cancer treatment, and have disorders like anemia. 

 Co-President Erick Diaz was proud to oversee such an impactful event: “This is my favorite Key Club event, and I love seeing our community coming together for the greater good of others.” He emphasized his gratitude for everyone who donated, saying, “We really feel that giving blood is so important throughout many perspectives. It shows selflessness, bravery, and most of all it shows the true kind hearted person you are. On behalf of the entire Key Club, we would like to thank everyone who stepped forward and saved lives.”