The first blood drive of the school year for Jupiter High took place Wednesday, Nov. 8, under the direction of Medical Academy teacher Meg Reller.

Jupiter High’s Blood Drive Committee worked for days before the event to get donors aged 16 and older, and in the end, it was a success. The committee even had to bring in another “Big Red Bus” to help, and some donors had to be turned away.

With a total of 249 participants, the committee was able to collect 165 units of blood.

“Blood donation is an easy and convenient way to make a difference…One donation can save up to three lives,” said Reller. “And this year [there is a big need], with all of the devastation in the world—Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, the earthquake in Mexico, the Las Vegas and Texas shootings…”

While there were some incentives for donating blood, like snacks, pizza and a fleece blanket, most of the donors did it to help those in need.

“I donated blood not only because I’d get some pizza but to help other people. I know that if I was in that position I’d want someone else to have donated so I could live,” senior Tiffany Meeks said.

The next blood drive is scheduled for Jan. 12, and the committee needs your help to get even more donations than the first one. You can sign up to donate at the blood drive table at lunch.