The Irrigon High School Key Club held the first of its two annual blood drives today, drawing about 50 donors from the school and the wider community. Students, school staff, and community members all rolled up their sleeves to give.
Key Club members supported the drive throughout the day, including staffing a refreshment table that offered water and snacks to donors after they gave blood.
Club President Karen Romero and Vice President Claire Mueller said the event reflects the club’s mission. “The club intertwines the school environment with the community,” they said. “Blood donations save lives.”
For some members, the drive is also a way to meet graduation requirements while giving back. “I am able to work towards my graduation community service requirement, and I enjoy helping my community,” said member Jade Kent. Fellow member Daneli Ramos added, “It is fun to be involved in the community.”
Among the donors was sophomore Etienne Contreras, who gave blood for the first time. Contreras said he regularly looks for new ways to help others. He was joined by his friends Jenny Armenta and Alejandro Trujillo, who acted as his support squad and kept him distracted.
Those who missed today’s drive will have another chance to donate. The Key Club will host its second blood drive in February.