ZBT, SDT host fourth semesterly blood drive

This Valentine’s Day, Penn students helped spread the love.

Penn’s Zeta Beta Tau and Sigma Delta Tau chapters worked with the American Red Cross to collect about 50 pints of blood from 96 people, ZBT brother and Engineering junior Craig Schwait said. Each pint of blood donated saves the lives of up to three people.

Schwait emphasized that the Penn students’ donations would be put to good use by the organization. “Blood banks always need the most help during the winter months,” he added.

From noon to six, the ZBT chapter house was filled with the bustle of moving bodies. The event attracted both veterans and newcomers who wanted to donate blood. Wharton junior Nenna Akpaete said she participates in blood drives “every semester.”

As Penn students filed in the ZBT chapter house, they were greeted by the sound of a local radio station blasting from a desk in the corner. Rows of empty bags lined the front table, waiting to be filled.

ZBT and SDT members ushered the donators into the waiting room beside the donation area.

The event marked the chapters’ fourth consecutive semester hosting a Red Cross blood drive. This Valentine’s Day drive was particularly busy — “we filled up to the point where nurses were overwhelmed,” Schwait said. In fact, more than one student who hoped to make a last minute walk-in appointment was turned away.

Some students were apprehensive about giving blood and requested the support of friends to accompany them to the donation table. Even donation veteran Akpaete said, “I’m always really nervous.” Other students were relaxed during the entire process, texting friends with their spare hand as they lay on the donating tables.

Each donation lasted around ten minutes, and afterward, each student was offered bottled water and snacks. While some may have expressed some anxiety before giving blood, they were all smiles once they had finished donating.

As returning donor and College sophomore Michael Wisniewski said, “It’s a good thing to do. Every little bit helps. It feels good to make even a small difference.”

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