Blood drive a worthwhile endeavor

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The students and staff members were relaxed and using little energy yet their efforts on Thursday, June 4 will go toward saving the lives of 103 patients.

Forty-three donors made Boonton High School’s blood drive, the first in more than 12 years, a success. Sponsored by the bio-medical club in conjunction with New Jersey Blood Services, the drive accumulated 41 units of blood.

Science teacher Mrs. Gilbert, the bio-medical club advisor, extended “our sincere gratitude to everyone who donated, attempted to donate, or assisted in any way to help make this campaign a success.”

Gilbert noted that the units donated will go a long way toward assisting those in need.

“Once the whole blood donations are separated into their three components – red cells, platelets, and plasma – they will help save the lives of up to 103 patients in our local hospitals,” she said.

Mr. Engelberger, a physical education teacher, had not given blood in many years. He chose to be a donor for several reasons.

“I decided to donate because I think it is obviously a good cause, and I was impressed with the ability of the students/bio-medical club to pull this together,” Engelberger said.

Ms. Feeney, a paraprofessional, gave blood for the first time and found the experience gratifying.

“I tend towards having too much iron in my blood so it’s a good strategy to deal with that,” Feeney said.

She mentioned the possibility of her or a family member requiring blood in the future.

“I think in the big giant bank of life sometimes you deposit and sometimes you withdraw,” Feeney said. “I’ll probably need a transfusion in my lifetime so I feel that I should deposit now while I’m ‘young.'”

Being socially responsible appeals to Feeney and that was another reason why she gave blood.

“I think it’s socially responsible and I’m thankful to Mrs. Gilbert for organizing it,” she said. “It’s something I’ve meant to do for a while so I’m glad I did it. I think it was very impressive that so many kids donated also. It’s a bit like carrying a donor card. It’s a simple way of giving.”

Engelberger appreciated the opportunity as well.

“People are always in need of blood,” Engelberger said. “I do not have any health conditions that would deter me and the opportunity that presented itself was convenient. I found it to be worthwhile… A few minutes of being uncomfortable can make a big difference for someone in need.”