Students attending Arroyo Grande High School rolled up their sleeves to donate pints of blood at the annual blood drive last Thursday. The event, hosted in the Multipurpose room, drew in students from all across campus, hoping to help those in need.

Some students are experiencing their first time giving blood.

“I’m pretty nervous because I have never actually given blood before,” Victor Quintero (‘26) said.

Nervous, but excited to help out the community, is what most students seemed to be feeling. 

“I am trying to do something good for my community. It’s my first time, and I am a little nervous,”  Danny McKenzie (‘27)said. 

Students like Josie Cichowlaz were happy to donate blood for the benefits it brings to the community.

“I love being able to donate to a good cause. I know I am helping those who really need it.” Josie Cichowalaz(’26 ) said.

The amount of blood taken by each student is typically one pint; however, a few students may donate a “power red,” which is approximately two pints of blood.

“One pint is the most common amount of blood for one person to donate,”  one of the event organizers, Beau Mercurio said. “Today’s goal is to collect a total of 64 pints. However, over ten years ago, we used to collect over 100 pints during this event.”

The donations gained from this blood drive will help a surplus of organizations and people in need. This blood will be used for both local patients and patients across all of the Central Coast. 

“This blood is mostly used for local hospitals. More than 25% collected go to cancer patients,” said Mercurio. “It will also be used for different types of organ transplants.”

The Arroyo Grande High School blood drive is a chance for students to make a change in the community and donate to a great cause. These students are helping those who need it and are setting a good example for years of students to come.