Students organize blood drive

WEBUTUCK — Webutuck’s National Honor Society members have organized a blood drive for the American Red Cross, to be held Friday, April 8, in the high school gymnasium.Blood drives at the school are usually held in the fall and spring. Last fall was the first drive held by the National Honor Society under the guidance of high school math teacher and advisor Eric Harvey.“We didn’t break any records then, I don’t think, but the Red Cross definitely felt it was a worthwhile effort,” he said, adding that he hopes to gain insight from school bus driver Rudy Eschbach, who has helped organize blood drives at Webutuck for years, to make upcoming events better and better. “We’re going to try to tap into his knowledge, and the goal is to achieve the same level of success.”There are roughly 35 students in Webutuck’s National Honor Society program. Students qualify through a variety of criteria including grade point average, character and community involvement.It’s a lot of work to prepare for a blood drive, Harvey said. Students will be making phone calls to set up appointments, creating awareness throughout the school building through signs and manning a table in the school cafeteria, and will be on-hand during the actual drive to assist the Red Cross.During the year, the National Honor Society is involved in a number of projects, including sponsoring a family during the holiday season and a variety of fundraisers, like upcoming efforts for the Ronald McDonald House. Webutuck students have been the recipients of scholarships from that organization in the past, and Harvey said it was only appropriate to return the favor.As for the upcoming blood drive, participation is a no-brainer, he explained.“It’s about helping the community,” Harvey said. “The blood that is donated stays right here locally, so it’s very much a matter of community involvement.”The blood drive will be held Friday, April 8, from noon to 7 p.m. Appointments can be made by calling the Webutuck High School office at 845-373-4106, but walk-ins will also be welcome the day of the drive. All individuals ages 17 and older (or 16 with parental permission) who meet the size and health requirements are eligible to participate.