Blood drive on Sacramento State campus seeks donors
A blood drive continues Tuesday on the Sacramento State campus.
But, this is more than just a blood drive. It's a contest and a chance to learn an important lesson.
Blood donations have been way down this winter, and officials said they are really counting on Sacramento State students to help save the day. They are urging all young people to be the next generation of donors.
Vitalant, formally known as Blood Source, announced last week's storms and power outages around Northern California meant 100 people who were scheduled to give blood couldn't come out and donate.
Vitalant has been doing the National Cesar Chavez Blood Drive Challenge at Sacramento State for seven years now. It's a big competition with 70 colleges across the country to see who can collect the most blood.
Each pint of blood collected can help up to three people in need.
Young people donating said they are excited to make a difference.
"I like that I can give back to other people. I know that if I was in their position I would want someone to help me. It feels really good to donate. I feel like I did my good deed for the week," Amanda Diaz said.
Last year, Sacramento State had nearly 700 donors who participated in the blood drive.
Students won a trophy for helping to save more than 1,700 lives. They are looking to defend that title on Tuesday.
The blood drive is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. inside the University Union at Sacramento State.