Earlier in March of this year, North Harford’s SGA (Student Government Association) hosted a blood drive within school hours, which allowed students and staff to donate and give back to the community. This was the second blood drive of the school year so far at North Harford, as there was one back in the Fall, and it was such a success that SGA members thought it would be best for it to return.
The staff, nurses, and students at North Harford made the experience great through and through, from snacks to holding students’ hands; they did their best to make it a good time, and one that students will hopefully continue long after they graduate too. Mrs. Beth Martin, North Harford Highschool teacher and SGA advisor, was truly grateful for the blood drive run at North Harford because her young daughter, Savannah, has a rare auto-immune condition that needs IVIG infusions biweekly, and with the help of donors from blood drives, her daughter is able to be well.
“Without these donors, Savannah would not be able to survive her condition. The donors help many others through surgeries, pregnancies, car accidents, and other medical conditions. It is an amazing way to give back and save a life just like Savannah’s,” shared Mrs. Martin.
This blood drive was made possible with not only the kindhearted donors, but the amazing staff of the school, and SGA volunteers as well. SGA leader, Kendall Walter, who donated to the blood drive and assisted with running it this year as well, exclaimed how, “I just love the leadership involved with {SGA}; I got to play such a large part in my school’s community that have affected me and my classmates experience. From fundraisers or school spirits to even things like the blood drive that help people outside our school…”.
Being a member of SGA not only helped give Walter’s amazing experience to learn from, but it helped make her truly the empathetic person it takes to donate and help with a blood drive such as this one, among many others. Being healthy is not something to take for granted, and it is a gift that can be given to help out those in need. Katie Vanarsdale, SGA volunteer for the event and a previous donator elaborated on this idea by saying, “I love the feeling of knowing that I’m directly contributing to helping save people’s lives. Without blood donations, people wouldn’t have the blood they need, so it’s one of those things that if you have the ability to help someone why shouldn’t I do it?”
That step is exactly what many students at North Harford did this past week, out of the kindness of their hearts to help others. SGA members and staff aspire to continue these blood drives throughout many years to come, and they truly are an amazing addition to the school year at North Harford by not only helping the community, but encouraging individuals to spread empathy, and kindness with the gift of life. “I enjoy donating because of the impact it has on others, that you can help people in need with just a small amount of time taken out of your day. It’s just a great cause… it’s something I love doing and am passionate about” shared Walter’s with sincerity.
It can only take a small act to help the lives of others, and many North Harford students and staff demonstrated that with their selfless actions this early March to make this blood drive yet another success, for the benefit of student’s growth as individuals and the community most of all.
