On Tuesday, March 31, RKYHS held its second blood drive of the 2014-15 school year. Organized by students, and supervised by faculty member Rabbi Richard Kirsch, the Community Blood Services blood drive was a huge success. Students, parents, and faculty members, along with members of the community, came out throughout the day to donate blood.

For some students, it was their first time giving blood. Not knowing what to expect, they joined fellow students at the donation tables, walking away with smiles when they were finished.

“I’m so happy I was finally able do this,” said one sophomore. “I just missed the last blood drive by a few weeks [since my birthday was shortly after it was held] and I have been waiting all semester to be able to participate.”

After donating blood, students sat together drinking water and juice to rehydrate, and enjoying donuts and cookies. After affixing stickers reading “Be Nice to Me, I Gave Blood Today” to their shirts, they returned to class, only to be replaced at the food tables by additional students and adults.

RKYHS holds two blood drives annually, one in the late fall and one in early spring. Students look forward to these opportunities to do mitzvot by donating blood and helping save lives.

By Jill Kirsch