SAC holds annual blood drive

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Junior Lucy Wang wears a blood drop costume around school to promote the blood drive.

On Nov. 4, Naperville Central’s Student Advisory Council (SAC) will hold a fall blood drive for students in the Auxiliary Gym.

According to senior Casey Smith, the SAC Mr. NCHS event coordinator, students choose which period during the day to get their blood drawn when they sign up during lunch periods or in the health office this week. Participants must be over 16-years-old, provide a driver’s license or ID and get parents’ permission in order to be eligible for the drive.

“The biggest thing [to know about the drive] is for girls,” Smith said. “You can’t wear Ugg [boots] because you will overheat. You want to wear layers just because when you are drawing blood, you might get cold or hot.”

In terms of food, Smith recommends eating a solid breakfast. She said that people were turned away last year because of an iron deficiency. Staying hydrated is also important on the day of the blood drive.

Sports can also impact a blood donation.

“Athletes must realize that they shouldn’t donate in season because they might be a little weaker,” Smith said.

According to Smith, SAC wants as big of a turn out as possible.

“It really is a great way to give back, you only give up about 45 minutes of your time, and you can save three lives,” Smith said. “I don’t really know any other volunteering thing where you can do that.”