UPDATE Oct. 2: According to Laura Geuvjehizian, donor recruiter for the Central California Blood Center, the FC blood drive had 25 people register and donate 21 pints of blood, Sept. 25. The four who did not give blood were deferred for various reasons. Another blood drive will be planned for spring at a date yet to be announced.

Students, faculty and families are all welcome to come support the fourth annual Max Hinton Blood Drive, Sept. 25. It will take place in the high school parking lot from 1-4:30 p.m. The Central California Blood Center blood mobile will be on hand to help volunteers donate.

Although the blood drive was originally held for student Max Hinton, a seven-year-old boy diagnosed with neuroblastoma, his cancer is now in complete remission and the blood drive is still held in his name.

Leadership and Bible teacher Robert Foshee helped organize the blood drive in hopes of supporting the community.

“I think we talk about service and community a lot and this is a great way we can serve,” Foshee said. “It’s really neat because one pint of blood can help seven different people. So this is a way that you can help so many people out and not have to even leave Fresno.”

Although many people enjoy giving blood, others refrain to do so for several different reasons. Sophomore Brooke Wood has acquired a phobia of needles and has decided not to give blood.

“I had a bad experience with needles when I was younger and don’t like the idea of having something penetrating my veins,” Wood said.

Donor recruiter Laura Geuvjehizian opens up about why she works for the Central California Blood Center and why it is so rewarding.

“I believe in the organization and the work that they do,” Geuvjehizian said. “I have been a donor for 13 years and eight years ago my sister was a recipient of blood, so I am truly grateful for the donors. To know that I help in making a positive difference in someone’s life makes it so rewarding. Everyone involved in the process in any way will have played a role in saving someone’s life or giving them more time.”

Senior Bri Graff donated blood last year and has decided to give blood again this year.

“It’s always been something I’ve wanted to do,” Bri said. “Knowing that I am helping save lives make it all worth it.”

High school students must be 16 or older. All students enrolled in school must have a signed parent consent form and must be in good general health. Students are also encouraged to drink plenty of water and eat a good meal before donating.

For more information, contact the Central California Blood Center or call them at 559. 389.5433.

For more news, read the Sept. 20 article, Beach trip sign ups open in office.