For first timers, donating blood may be seen as a daunting and fearful task, but regular participants in North Penn’s Key Club blood drives know the drill. Although the pricking of the needle, tube down one’s arm, and bag of blood may make some squeamish, students and faculty of North Penn are no strangers to helping out those in need.

“I donate because it’s for a good cause. It doesn’t show up on a college application and there are no awards or certificates for participation, but it’s lifesaving for others and life changing for me.” commented senior Justine Lemon, a frequent blood donor.

Thanks to the millions of people who donate blood through the American Red Cross, doctors are able to save millions of lives every year. Even though it may be difficult to put yourself out of your comfort zone and get stuck with a needle, it is often more difficult to receive the blood and go through difficult procedures. Just a simple prick of a needle can make all the difference to a life. Such an effortless task changes lives all over the country, and no one has to be forced into it. Giving blood is done out of the humbleness and utmost compassion provided from our hearts, and that is what truly makes all the difference.

The one thing that sets this blood drive apart from any other North Penn blood drive is in light of recent events. The deadliest mass shooting in the modern history of the United States occurred October 1st, 2017 at a Las Vegas concert. Over 50 victims have passed away and over 500 are injured. On behalf of the victims, the American Red Cross contacted North Penn’s Key Club to host an emergency blood drive. All donations received are being directly delivered to Las Vegas hospitals.

“We like to host blood drives because in our Key Club pledge, we strive to serve our home, school, and community, and that’s exactly what we are doing through hosting a blood drive.” reflected Key Club President Julie Mumford.

The first NPHS blood drive of the year holds a special place with donors and others involved. Despite this time where gun control laws are fiercely debated, the North Penn community is getting together to make a positive difference and aid strangers in this time of need.

“This event is especially important to me because all the blood is being donated to those hurt in the recent Las Vegas shooting, it gives me a chance to give back to my community and help so many people” added Mumford.

With blood drives dating back to 2007, North Penn’s Key Club has been able to gather 459 blood donations to help a total of 1,337 lives- an astounding number.

“During this time of extraordinary tragedy, the blood drive had a critical impact on saving lives,” commented manager Rosanne Marks of the Red Cross Penn-Jersey region.

The North Penn community contributed 42 blood donations this past Wednesday. With this great success, donors were able to save 126 lives.

Although the world can be cruel and dangerous at times, it is important to remember that when others are in need, we will always be there to lend a helping hand. There are some humans who are unforgiving and relentless, but when we fall down, others will always pick you back up. The North Penn Key Club lead a wonderfully successful blood drive while saving lives and coming together as a community to build a better tomorrow.