More than 60 Skyline students, faculty, and community members took the opportunity to contribute to Skyline College’s annual blood drive on May 10. This event was held in the school’s Surgical Careers Center. The event was organized by the Blood Centers of the Pacific and Skyline’s Health Center.

The blood drive is in its 27th year at Skyline, and considered yet another success with 68 pints donated.

“We are delighted with the response, and students are cooperative and nice to work with,” said Joan Oberster, a registered nurse with the blood unit collection department of the Blood Centers of the Pacific.

Skyline’s nurse, Jan Gersonde said, “This is our 27th year, and within those years, we received over 2,000 units [pints] from donors.”

During this year’s blood drive, the department with the most student donors was Skyline’s Auto Tech department, who received a little academic motivation for giving blood.

“Some teachers offer extra credit to those who donate,” explained Donna Elliot of the Health Center. “Once they do it, they do it again because they realize it is saving lives.”

Others who donated were not exactly sure why they were participating. Some said they were there to help. Student Mai Mai Wang said, “I don’t know: I just like to help others.”

But many of those who have donated previously came back this year with an upbeat attitude. Student Elin Abbott has donated thirteen times and she said, “Every two months, I try to donate blood. It’s a good thing helping people.”

“My grandfather used to do it and now he can’t do it,” said Auto Tech student Brian McLoughlin. “I’m not done donating, and I won’t stop.”

Jennifer Hughes, dean of the Skyline Counseling Department said, “I think it’s a great cause-anything to support an endeavor-and it was convenient.”

Gertrude Stopper, field recruiter for the Blood Centers of the Pacific, said Skyline is well known for donating a good amount of blood every year.

“Skyline College is our best blood drive,” Stopper said enthusiastically.

According to the recruiter, over 500 pints of blood is needed per day.

“If every one person donated one pint of blood, it would help three patients, and if people donated a pint a day, then there wouldn’t be a shortage,” she said. “We thank every student who gave and tried.”

Find facts about blood and donating at the Blood Centers of the Pacific website:www.bloodcenters.org