Fall DLS Blood Drive Nets 40 Pints

Thanks to the students, faculty and staff, and parents who participated in the Fall Blood Drive conducted by De La Salle Collegiate in cooperation with the American Red Cross.

The October 29, 2024 drive netted 40 pints of blood; one pint can help two to three people. 

DLS Science teacher Mrs. Mary Balamucki and the students involved in HOSA (Health Occupational Services Association) organized the volunteers and assisted throughout the day. 

“I thought the blood drive was a great success,” Balamucki said. “The HOSA boys did such a wonderful job running things. They came together to create a top-notch experience for our participants.” 

Senior Brendan Harper, who serves as President of the DLS HOSA group, served as the Blood Drive Coordinator. His responsibilities included working with the set-up and tear-down teams, after-care volunteers, and the registration table. 

“I’ve worked at every blood drive over my four years at DLS,” Brendan said. “This is my first time serving as the coordinator.” 

He added, “Today has been a great day for the Blood Drive. There hasn’t been a moment without someone donating, and our student staff did a fantastic job - especially since many are first-time volunteers learning to check people in as they go.” 

Brendan himself was a first-time donor. 

“I was a bit hesitant at first,” he said. “But it turned out to be way easier than I expected.” 

Senior Glen Vasili was a third-time donor. 

“I donated during both blood drives last year (his junior year) and was originally interested in donating because I wanted to have that experience,” he said. “It was an amazing decision.” 

Glen said the first time he donated his blood flow was really slow, resulting in his only being able to donate a half-pint that would be used for experiments and lab testing. 

“That is when I really learned the importance of healthy habits which helped me learn what to do next time,” he said. “This ended up working since during my second donation, everything went perfectly: my blood flow was quick, I didn’t feel dizzy, and I felt amazing afterwards. And I can say the same for this donation, too!” 

Junior Michael Kosanke, a first-year HOSA member, worked the blood drive for the first time. 

“It was a very enjoyable experience seeing people willing to save other people’s lives,” he said. “It was good to see all of Mrs. Balamucki’s hard work pay off.”

Balamucki also conducted a bake sale throughout the day to raise money to help cover the costs of registration for the students who will be competing in the HOSA events later this school year. During the 2023-2024 school year, DLS entered students into the multi-category competition for the first time. 

“As the day went on, each time I looked at the donation area, it was all purple polos,” Balamucki said. “The Pilots came through! Thank you to everyone who gave blood or tried to give blood.” 

Glen said, “Donating blood is such a valuable experience that everyone should have, unless you medically can’t.”

Fall DLS Blood Drive Nets 40 Pints
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