Over 200 people are expected to donate blood in a drive held Monday and Tuesday in LaFortune Student Center, according to Major Tim Dukeman of Notre Dame's ROTC program, which is operating the drive.
"We are partnering with the American Red Cross and hoping to receive between 100 and 150 pints of blood over the two days," he said. "The Notre Dame community is so generous in many, many ways and we hope to see this generosity continue as the blood donated makes a difference for those in need."
As of Monday afternoon, Dukeman said there had been over 180 people signed up with appointments for donation. This surpasses ROTC's goal of 150 participants.
"I feel very good about reaching our goal, but this just means we raise the bar for next time," Dukeman said. "In an event like this, it is always a great thing to keep increasing the goals."
While various blood drives are held on campus throughout the school year, Dukeman said the spring is a great time for the event.
"Obviously we wanted to hold it while the students are still on campus and prior to finals, so the last week of classes works very well for everyone concerned," he said.
Dukeman credited Lori Caputo, a member of the American Red Cross, for her efforts in organizing the event.
"Her vast experience and abilities really were the driving force behind this," Dukeman said.
ROTC has hosted blood drives at Notre Dame for years in conjunction with the American Red Cross.
"We (ROTC) have several groups of volunteers who help out with events like food drives, clothing drives, and blood drives," Dukeman said. "Our volunteerism does not stop when we get back from school/work and take off the uniform."
In order to prepare for the blood drive, a series of scheduling and coordinating efforts took place between the Notre Dame ROTC and the American Red Cross.
Students were able to sign up for appointments through an e-mail Dukeman sent out.
"Getting the word out through ListServ and people scheduling appointments have made a huge difference," Dukeman said. "As for set-up, the American Red Cross does this on a very regular basis so they already had the plan for that, based upon them doing this in LaFortune for the past several years."
The blood drive will continue Tuesday from 1 to 7 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom of LaFortune.
"I just want to thank all of those who made an appointment or are planning on doing a walk in," Dukeman said. "Your generosity is amazing and the success of this event is due to you for taking the time and giving of yourself."
