Buffalo Grove High School students exceed goal at Red Cross Blood Drive

The American Red Cross Club at Buffalo Grove High School hosted its winter blood drive on Dec. 10, drawing an impressive turnout from students and staff and surpassing its collection goal.

A total of 59 donors participated in the event, held in the school’s Community Room. While the Red Cross could collect no more than 45 units during the day, the drive concluded with 44 units of blood, well above the club’s original goal of 35.

Club leaders said they were thrilled by the outcome and the strong support from the school community.

“We’re very surprised and proud of all the students and staff who came out today,” said senior Lyla Scadron, president of the American Red Cross Club. “It’s nice to know there are people who care and want to make a difference.”

For Scadron, involvement with the Red Cross is personal. She said she was inspired after seeing the organization respond to disasters in the news and after her own family experienced a house fire in which her grandmother passed away from carbon monoxide poisoning.

“The Red Cross was always there after disasters and that motivated me to get involved,” she said. “Being part of this club is an amazing experience because we get to help our community while we’re still in high school.”

Vice president Saanvi Mahajan said the timing of the drive was intentional.

“This holiday season, we wanted to give the gift of a miracle,” Mahajan said. “There’s a major blood shortage in hospitals, and giving blood is one of the most direct ways to help save lives.”

Students emphasized the need for more donors nationwide. The Red Cross reports that someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds, and that only 3% of Americans donate, despite hospitals having no alternative source for blood.

Several student organizers also highlighted how simple the process can be.

“You can save up to three lives with one donation,” Scadron said. “It only takes a couple minutes, and the actual draw is just a little pinch, even if you’re scared of needles.”

Participants received thank-you gifts including a $15 Amazon gift card, a free Culver’s ice cream voucher, and a Red Cross T-shirt. Donors also receive an email from the Red Cross after their blood is processed, letting them know where their donation was sent.

Club leaders credited morning announcements, posters, social media posts, and email outreach for the strong turnout. With this year’s success, students say they hope the drive inspires more members of the community to donate in the future