TOWAMENCIN- The Friday before Mother’s Day is often stressful.  People of all ages worry about how to show their appreciation for the woman who raised them.  In addition to their own, many North Penn High School students chose to help moms they didn’t even know through blood donations.    

For the third time this year, North Penn High School hosted a blood drive with the American Red Cross, and on May 12th, students went to the gymnasium to donate their time and that vital fluid to those in need.  Although the drive was organized and staffed by members of the North Penn National Honor Society (NHS), every student able to give blood was welcome.

“The blood drive is such an important event that NHS tries to incorporate into our normal slate of service throughout the year,” said Mrs. Megan Schmidt, an English teacher at NPHS who supervised the drive, “but we really feel that having it be a whole school effort and having everyone be able to donate and to come and support the cause is important, because it’s unifying for North Penn.”

Members of NHS who were working the drive appreciated students who arrived to donate.

“I believe in donating blood, because it helps save lives, so thanks to all those who came out,” said Maggie Walsh, a junior who helped orchestrate the drive.  

“Giving blood is a good idea because you can save three lives through one donation,” said Maura Christian, another junior who helped out.   

Students who donated blood shared way they extended a hand to complete strangers.  

“The first time I gave blood was a great experience,” explained Joey Toy, Jr., a senior who donated, “and the fact that you can save up to three lives by just giving once is a great thing.  I wish to donate again many times.”

The Red Cross introduced a downloadable app which, if installed by a donor, tells his or her blood type in three days, and also shows a notification when and where the blood donated is used by someone in need.  Many students who downloaded the app felt excited and humbled to be of service to so many.  

“I gave blood to help other people,” said senior Mikala Camburn, for whom this was her third donation, “and with the App you can track to see where your blood goes, which I think is very interesting, and it’s cool to see who and how many people you’re helping.”

“The Red Cross does a great job,” added senior Anna Bramblett, “and after they tell you when your blood is donated, so you know that you helped someone.”

“We absolutely appreciate the invitation from North Penn High School, because we want to get the students involved in donating blood,” explained Supervisor Deborah Naymuth, a supervisor who has been a member of the Red Cross for ten years, “and hopefully they’ll keep it up for the rest of their lives.  Most students are very eager, even though they are afraid, and I admire their courage.”