ICC Aids Red Cross Amidst National Disasters
Stephanie McClaskey
Oct 25, 2022
Blood donations are in high demand due to tragedies like Hurricane Ian along the east coast and wildfires along the west coast. Illinois Central College (ICC) responds to this demand by hosting an American Red Cross Blood Drive on the East Peoria campus Wednesday, October 19, 2022. ICC’s women’s softball team hosted this event.
The American Red Cross responds to more than 60,000 disasters per year. The organization supplies 40% of the nation’s blood and collects more than 4.6 million blood donations and nearly 1 million platelet donations from more than 2.6 million volunteer donors annually. The American Red Cross provides nearly 471,000 services to military members, veterans and their families. It helps 230 million people outside the U.S. through American Red Cross disease prevention activities and disaster services.
ICC’s women’s softball team hosts three blood drives yearly. The blood drive event allows the athletic department to give back while doubling as a community service activity. Women’s softball head coach, Heather Doty, explains how the softball team is responsible for soliciting all the donors, assisting with registering donors, loading and unloading equipment, and is responsible for setting up the refreshments for the donors.
“It’s a way to connect with the community, connect with students and hopefully save some lives,” Doty said.
The daily goal for this event was to gather 32 pints of blood. Several students were in attendance to give back to those in need. Cassie Keller, the Student Trustee with the Student Government Association, was diagnosed with anemia and needed several blood transfusions in high school.
“They were able to donate blood for me when I needed it, so now I can give back to others who may need blood transfusions,” Keller stated.
Every donation gathered is used to save three lives. If you missed this chance to donate blood, check out other local blood drives at www.redcross.org to take advantage of your chance to make a positive impact in the lives of others.