On Wednesday, May 7, the Hesed and Tzedek Council hosted the third blood drive of the year in partnership with the New York Blood Center.
In the week leading up to the blood drive, council members sat in the atrium both before school and during lunch to collect sign-ups and answer questions.
All members of the council, including those who did not meet the sixteen-year-old age requirement to donate, volunteered at the drive. Each member spent one class period aiding the event, whether escorting donors to the recovery table or sitting with them as they had snacks once they finished donating blood.
When asked about her first experience assisting with the blood drive, freshman Margot Miller responded, “I was glad that I could help out and for a good cause. I am excited to be able to donate next year.”
Junior Hannah Wurzburger, the Blood Drive Coordinator, said that the blood drive “went very well” and that “the turnout was amazing.”
Wurzburger also shared an impactful story from the morning of the blood drive. She explained that there was a man named James from the NY Blood Center who told her that he always jumps to work at Heschel. He loves meeting people from our school and seeing how we “do things.” James continued to share that Heschel is the only school where he sees both teachers and parents donating their blood too. Wurzburger reflected that James’ words demonstrate how unique and tight-knit the Heschel community is and how the Heschel community rallies together to offer support and help to people in need
In total, 55 students, faculty members, and parents donated blood, saving up to 165 lives. This was an inspiring day.