News Release, Charles County Public Schools
The Red Cross Club at St. Charles High School spent the past two weeks drumming up support for its recent blood drive. But it didn’t take much convincing to sign up volunteers. “Not at all,” said Helena Caaya, a junior and president of the Red Cross Club.
The main hurdle to clear was making sure volunteers met the donation criteria. To donate, a person must be at least 17 years or older (or have parental permission at 16), meet the height and weight requirements, have not received a tattoo within the past year, along with a list of other caveats. “We have some new donors this year who weren’t old enough last year,” Caaya said. “There are strict rules you have to follow to donate.”
Logan Blaise, a junior, signed up because he likes helping others. “I don’t do the hard work, they do,” he said, nodding toward Stephi Fonou, a phlebotomy technician drawing his blood. “It can literally save people’s lives … with little effort on your part.”
Each pint of blood can save up to three lives, according to the American Red Cross. Among those who receive blood donations are cancer patients, trauma patients, those with sickle cell disease, people with chronic illnesses and burn patients.
Dashawn Robinson, a senior, donated because he thought it was the right thing to do. “It’s going to help someone,” he said. “You don’t know where or when you or somebody will need it.”
At St. Charles, 10 teachers and 37 students signed up to donate with 24 completing successful donations. About half of those were first-time donors, said Brian Reip, a resource teacher who sponsors the club along with math teacher, Alicia Steward.
Stephi Fonou, left, who works for the American Red Cross, logs in the blood donation made by technology and engineering teacher Jason Braverman during a blood drive at St. Charles High School. 
Helena Caaya, right, a junior and president of the Red Cross Club at St. Charles High School chats with sophomore Melissa Herrera, left, and senior Nicole Herrera, as they go over the guidelines for giving blood during a drive held at the school. 
Dashawn Robinson, a senior at St. Charles High School, donates blood during a blood drive organized by the school’s Red Cross Club. Tamika Robinson with the American Red Cross is pictured on the right. 
Stephi Fonou, left, an American Red Cross employee, tends to St. Charles High School junior Logan Blaise as he talks with Jalen Freeman, a junior, during a blood drive held at the school. 
Abel Rhoden, a St. Charles High School senior, donated blood during a blood drive organized by the school’s Red Cross Club.
“We are always excited when we have first-time donors who are able to successfully give,” Reip said. “And we are always excited and proud of our student volunteers who embrace the mission of a blood drive and the value behind saving a life.”
To find an upcoming blood drive, go to http://tinyurl.com/y3h3ttgg.