NDA recently held its second blood drive of the year in partnership with the American Red Cross.

“Overall, the drive was successful. We were able to collect 54 pints of blood. While our goal was 58, we are still very happy with the number we achieved,” commented senior Zita Lulloff, who is the student chairperson for the blood drive.

The turnout for the drive was “lower than usual” due to students participating in spring sports and sicknesses.

The blood taken from the drive is used throughout Wisconsin after going to a processing center.

“It is super important to donate blood because it is necessary for accident victims, burn victims, heart surgery, organ transplant patients and people with cancer. Without blood donations, it is not possible for patients to have necessary procedures,” explained Lulloff.

NDA hosts three blood drives a year. There is one in January, April, and June. However, next year all three will take place during the school year.

Sign-ups for the drive began two weeks prior during lunches. Sign-up links were also posted on google classroom and social media.

“After we fill all of our spots, we put them into a spreadsheet where we track to make sure everyone who needs to turn in a form has submitted it in addition to any updates,” explained the senior chairperson.

Lulloff then sends “every student’s guardian an email to confirm they are comfortable with their student donating blood.”

As the blood drive coordinator, Lulloff is responsible for setting up the drive alongside the other volunteers. They arrive at 7 a.m. to set up chairs and tables for the Red Cross as well as check in donors and ensure “they have enough water and snacks” after giving blood.

Wally Lulloff, Isabelle Fergus and Frannie Wied are currently being trained by Lulloff to serve as the student chairpersons for next year.