On Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2017, Watertown High School will once again be taking part in the annual blood drive. From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the school gym, teachers and students can donate blood to the American Red Cross.

Students from all grades are qualified to give blood. Signups started Friday, Oct. 6, and more people can sign up on Tuesday, Oct. 10, at all three lunches as well. Participants 16 and under need a parent or guardian’s permission to participate.

The overall donation process takes 6-10 minutes. Students would miss about 10 minutes of class in order to participate and donate blood. There are snacks and refreshments for when the donors are done. Students must sign up prior to going down to the gym, and may only come down to the gym for the time they signed up.

John Rimas, a Watertown High history teacher, took the initiative and became the head in promoting the blood drive.

“It is important because the need is real and it is a great way for students to do something civil-minded,” he said. “Every little bit helps. Given the recent tragic events in Las Vegas and the long lines to donate blood, it is one small way that we can help each other out.”

Every little bit helps, indeed.

Mr. Rimas took over the blood drive with the Student Council after the retirement of John Hayward and has been leading the event ever since.

The American Red Cross is known for hosting blood drives all across the country to help others in need. When hosting a blood drive, the American Red Cross works with the school to organize the blood drive. It helps determine how many donors to expect and how to recruit them. It also brings equipment and supplies.

The blood drive collects lots of donations that help those in need all over the country.

For more information or ways to donate contact the American Red Cross at redcross.org or 1-800-REDCROSS.

–Oct. 9, 2017–