The American Red Cross, with the help of Carterville Interact Club, hosted their annual Tri-C blood drive at the Carterville community center. Many citizens from Cambria, Crainville, and Carterville rolled up their sleeves and provided just a pint of blood. Many donations did not look at this as anything more than giving blood, but what they did could impact so many people. 

Blood drives around the United State are occurring to send the donations to blood banks which will later end up in medical facilities everywhere. The blood is then used by a variety of patients for a variety of reasons. For example, major injuries, surgeries, child birthing, treatments, and blood illnesses. But unfortunately, stated by the American Red Cross Association, less than 40 percent of people are capable of donating, and since blood cannot be made, blood drives are more important than ever. 

Chloe Taylor (9), volunteer at the blood drive through Interact. “I am surprised that we are still having it during COVID but I am happy that we are. People are needing it more than ever before” stated Taylor.

Also, stated by the American Red Cross Association, every two seconds someone in the US is in need of blood, meaning that a single day 36,000 [pints] are being used. Blood drives can be held anywhere, and cities everywhere participate in the events. So as a way to get more people involved, Carterville’s Tri-C elementary school encourages families to donate by offering prizes to the classrooms whose family members participate the most. 

“I try to donate as much as I can. It took me 30 minutes to donate and I mean, if I was free why wouldn’t I do it? Hopefully, the blood will go to someone who needs it,” said Aaron Glenn, a donator at the Carteville Blood Drive.

“It’s really great it is still able to happen,” said Eesha Gowda (12), then adding, “ It’s good to see people and donating what they can.”  

The blood drive had an amazing turnout with a consistent flow of people willing to donate. Reservations were made due to COVID regulations, but walk-ins were welcome when chaos died down. Kasha Ward (11), another member of CHS Interact worked with Gowda during the blood drive. 

“I am happy that they are still able to put this on even with all the COVID restrictions like Eesha said. There are more people than what I expected to come,” said Ward (11). 

The blood drive stayed on schedule while following Covid-19 protocols. Social distancing, masks, and hand sanitizer were made available, with temperature checks when entering the building. While at this time it is hard to get out and participate in these activities, many citizens are going out of their way to donate. With the help of the Carterville Interact Club members, the event was put on successfully and safely.