Students Give at Mid-Semester Blood Drive

The arrival of Don Rags brought with it the semi-annual blood drive at Thomas Aquinas College, California, last Tuesday.

Vitalant, a nonprofit organization with a mission to bring blood to those in need, set up a makeshift clinic in the back of St. Augustine Hall. As students trickled in and out throughout the day, eager to contribute to the cause, they echoed the sentiment of Colin Haggard (CA’29): “It’s good to give blood, so why not do it?”

Donors underwent a standard screening process before giving, and afterward enjoyed some complimentary snacks for replenishment, often with a cheerful word or two from the Vitalant team members. Upon learning that one donation may save up to three lives, John Paul Tibesar (CA’29) commented, “It’s incredible to realize that the gift of my health can be used to help others. Your blood is something that’s so easy to think of as yours, and yours alone; but to think about it as a good for everyone is very uplifting to the human soul.”