Addison Trail hosts blood drive for Vitalant

Addison Trail juniors Thomas Nguyen and Rachel De Haro enjoy snacks after donating blood during Addison Trail's blood drive on Nov. 7 for Vitalant. Photo by Addison Trail junior Naydelin Munoz

By Naydelin Munoz
Addison Trail junior

On Nov. 7, Addison Trail students, staff and community members participated in a blood drive at the school to donate blood for Vitalant.

Each unit of blood collected supports up to three lives. One hundred students and staff participated in the drive, which means this event could potentially save up to 300 lives. Many students were eager for the event, hoping their donation could be of great help to those in need.

“I thought it would be a fun experience and actually thought I would be doing something good,” said Addison Trail junior Rachel De Haro. “I would definitely do this again for next year, and I’m also looking forward to doing it in March.”

The blood drive was open to those who are 17 years old and older, or those who are 16 years old with parental consent. Participants have to go through a series of questions before donating blood to ensure they meet certain requirements. The event takes place not only for students and staff to donate blood to help save lives, but also to educate students to become blood donors early on. The blood donated is used for people who are going through cancer treatment, an organ transplant or an accident. The event takes place twice a year, once in November and once in March.

“I enjoy seeing the students helping to run the blood drive,” said Tracy Marzullo, Addison Trail Medical Careers teacher. “It’s fulfilling to see students try and help by donating blood.”

Students, staff and community members are welcome to continue giving toward Addison Trail’s total. Call 630-530-3989 for details. For participating in blood drives, Vitalant presents District 88 with a check that goes toward scholarships for students at Addison Trail and Willowbrook.