The annual Elkhart Memorial Student Government spring blood drive is coming up the day before spring break on Fri., March 29. According to student activities director, Jeff Miller, since 2005, students and staff have donated enough blood to save over 12,000 lives!

This is a great opportunity to give back and do some good in the Elkhart community. Plus, getting out of class for a little bit doesn’t hurt either.

It is recommended by the American Red Cross that those who plan to donate get 8-9 hours of sleep the night before, eat iron rich food such as spinach, whole grains, fish, poultry, beans, organ meat, eggs, and beef. They should also drink lots of water the week leading up to a donation and four good sized glasses of water or juice three hours before donating blood.

Students should expect the whole process to take about one hour. After donating, people are encouraged to eat and drink and not drive for about one hour. 

Donating is easy, but students must be at least 16 years old to participate and those who are 16 need to have their parents fill out a consent form. Forms can be picked up from Julie Tyrakowski in room A219 and must be turned in to Vice Principal Frank Kurth before March 29. 

Those who are 17 or older do not need parental consent. They just need to sign-up. All teachers have access to the sign-up sheet. Just let a teacher know that you would like to sign up and they will ask you to choose a time that works for your schedule.