Webutuck grad organizes blood drive

WEBUTUCK — One of the goals of the blood drives held at Webutuck is to make an impact on students, whether it’s a career at the Red Cross or maybe just a visit every so often to donate blood themselves.

Lauren Trotter, a recent graduate, is on the right track. Trotter is helping organize and coordinate a blood drive scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 15, to help prevent shortages during the summer months, when donations are usually low.

Rudy Eschbach, who has been in charge of organizing many of the school’s blood drives, was contacted by the Red Cross, which wanted a high school student to help put together a special summer drive.

“Mr. Eschbach contacted me,� explained Trotter. “I had given blood once before, and I thought this would be a good way to get involved in the community.�

Trotter has experience volunteering at local hospitals, and she explained that she is looking into biology for her upcoming college years, so the blood drive fits into her areas of interest.

The goal for Saturday’s drive is 35 units. As an added incentive, Friendly’s Ice Cream has donated coupons for free cartons of ice cream to anyone who donates.

Organizing an event like this can be hard work, as Trotter will tell you. She’s been busy getting information out to the radio stations and newspapers, as well as hanging signs around area towns. So far she’s booked 12 appointments, and is finding the community very responsive to the cause.

“Everyone’s really good about wanting to help and give back to the community,� she said.

Eschbach mentioned that he was impressed with Trotter’s hard work in helping put together the event.

“This is what’s been happening for the last couple of years at the high school,� he said. “Juniors and seniors have slowly been getting involved in these things. This is the result. It’s a natural extension, and it’s really great that someone at that age [is helping]. She’s got a tough job of making people come in and donate.�

The drive will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Aug. 15 at Webutuck High School. To make an appointment, call the school at 845-373-4106 or 800-GIVE-BLOOD. Walks-in are also welcome.