It was a busy day for A.S. hosting the American Red Cross with students arriving for their appointment times and walk-ins to donate blood on Oct. 8 and 9 in the 200 building.

The ARC had a goal to collect from at least 120 donors and as of 9:30 a.m. on Oct. 9, 63 people had scheduled an appointment, with even more students arriving for walk-ins. By the end of the night, there were 73 donors.

The blood drive on campus made it convenient for students.

“Students donate more often than anyone,” said Guivenere Endter, donations resource director for ARC. “Many of them began donating since high school so many of them feel that donating blood is their civic responsibility. Its very convenient to have the blood drive here on campus; they are able to set appointments to work around their school schedule.”

There was a mix of students at the blood drive. Many of them have donated in the past, while some were donating for the first time.

Fullerton student Josh Barbosa has been donating for 6 years.

“I have to be able to give in order for me to take just incase I ever get into a car accident and go to the hospital,” Barbosa said.

There were a couple of students who were hopping to donate but were unfortunately deferred by the staff. One student was turned away because he had recently gone out of the country where he may have been exposed to malaria. Another student was deferred because he did not drink enough water over the past couple of days.

One immediate reward, for many is the best part of the donation process is that once you have donated, the donors can sit at a table and enjoy some snacks and refreshments.

The medical staff requires that all donors sit down for 10-15 minutes and rest before they leave. This is where many donors like to share stories and discuss their experience.

One of the many people sitting at the refreshment table shared that they were not a Fullerton College student but wanted to donate regardless. They have been donating blood for 13 years and because they have the universal blood type that is needed in most hospitals, their blood could possibly save the life of a child, a mother or a father. They said that they see no reason why they shouldn’t donate.

ARC will be visiting the campus again for the Thanksgiving Blood Drive. Those interested can sign up through the American Red Cross sponsor code: FC or by calling 714-427-2605.

All participants will receive a Red Cross potholder and celebrity chef recipes, while supplies last.

Participants will also receive two complimentary tickets to the Laugh Factory and to the GRAMMY Museum at L.A. LIVE.