One of the most important events each year for Key Club does not involve raising money; instead, it contributes to saving the lives of many. Key Club’s second of its tri-annual blood drives united students, faculty, members of the Lynbrook community, and alumni to donate blood on Monday, Feb. 3.
Key Club has partnered with the New York Blood Center (nybc.org) to continue its tradition of distributing necessary blood since 1964. Donating one pint of blood can save three lives, and the Key Club strives to reach a record number of donations every year. Students who donated for the first time in the fall were eager to get back to aiding the cause. For Key Club Co-president Kate Santoli, she finds one aspect of the drive to be most meaningful: “[Seeing] how many people are willing to do their part to help others.” Co-president Kelsey Roth added, “Being a part of Key Club is very meaningful during events like the blood drive because everyone works together throughout the day to save lives and help our community.”
The set-up is extensive, so members of Key Club like Santoli, Roth, and Co-president Erick Diaz spend the entire day exempt from classes to prepare, ensuring that the event runs smoothly. After three years on the Key Club board, Diaz considers the blood drive to be his favorite event: “I, of course, love our other community service events, but our blood drives distinguish themselves as my favorite because I get to see all parents, students, and teachers come together. Key Club is known for our blood drives, and it is clear that this event, although it takes a lot of planning, is incredibly rewarding and fulfilling for all who are involved.”
One of the most special aspects of the blood drive is that it is not only open to students and faculty of LHS. It allows for members of the community to do a good deed, leaving an imprint on the community. The blood drive also educates students prior to the event; workers of the NYBC meet with gym classes to explain its positive impacts. They often tell stories of people who have benefitted from blood transfusions which allows students to feel even more connected to the cause.
