Volunteer for Blood Drive

Besides a record number of donors, Service NC State is searching for volunteers to make its fourth-annual blood drive one of the biggest and best in the nation. The drive is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23, at Carmichael Gymnasium.

CSLEPS, the Center for Student Leadership, Ethics and Public Service, and University Recreation are looking for groups and individuals to help the professionals from the American Red Cross make this a successful event by serving as greeters, working in the post-donation canteen and directing donors to various stations along the way.

Departments, student organizations and all other representatives of campus groups are encouraged to sign up online for shifts throughout the day.

“Our goal is to exceed our quest for 1,200 units in this year’s drive, and we need the help of many donors and volunteers to reach it,” said Associate Vice Provost Mike Giancola. “We have been extremely pleased with the support we have received in our first three years, and feel sure we can make this one of the biggest one-day events in the country.”

In 2012, the drive collected 1,137 pints, the 11th largest one-day drive in the country that year. It was part of NC State’s larger commitment, which included more than 2,500 units of blood donated on campus last year through this campus-wide drive and other single-day drives for both the American Red Cross and Raleigh’s Rex Hospital.

Since it began in 2010, the Service NC State drive has collected more than 2,700 units of blood. Since each pint can serve the needs of three people, that’s nearly 10,000 people touched in its short history.

Faculty and staff donors are encouraged sign up now for slots between 8 a.m. and noon, to avoid the crowded afternoon time slots usually claimed by students. The Service NC State committee will be giving away two door prizes during the morning shift.

For more information, email servicencstate-blooddrive@ncsus.edu.