Carbondale Community High school was preparing this week for their yearly blood drive. On November 4, 2025 the blood drive was hosted at the school back gym. The PE classes had to be moved to the auditorium due to the blood drive. The blood drive was ongoing from 8:30am-3pm. Staff and students were prepared to help save lives across the region by donating to the American Red Cross. 

The American Red Cross is an organization that helps organize various donations to distribute blood to those in need of transfusions at hospitals.

This event couldn’t have been possible without our school’s student council team. Members of our student council greeted donors by the entrance and signed them in as well as giving them snacks and juices to feel encouraged and ready to donate. 

¨The goal this year is 300 so today we’re hoping to get 125 people which means we’re on track¨ said senior, Lauren Lehman.

Before being able to donate students have to go through a series of questions to make sure, they’re eligible to donate. Students must also get their heart rate checked to make sure they’re capable of donating without any problems. Many students were first time donors, excited but nervous. Teachers and staff participated as well as setting an example for the younger students. Some teachers were also giving extra credit out for the students that decided to donate. Each Student was given a $10 gift card by the American Red Cross for their donation to help others in need of blood.

¨I donated last year so I wanna do it again to help people¨ said senior, Zae-shon Bellamy.

The highlight of the day wasn’t just the numbers of how many people decided to donate but the atmosphere of it. By the end of the day students felt good about donating to help save a life. CCHS students showed that day that teenagers can create a real change by one pint at a time.