MILWAUKEE - Eyelashes flickering with the battle to keep a tearless vision, palms tingling; she tries not to look, but the idea of seeing her own blood is intriguing. An American Red Cross worker questions her comfort level. She nods and prepares for a pinch. It comes…she sighs. The process of giving blood? Not bad at all…

Every minute of every day, someone needs blood. That blood can only come from someone who chooses to donate. Currently only three out of every 100 people in America donate blood, yet one donation can save up to three lives.

Rufus King participated in a Winter Blood Drive Feb. 6, its second for the 2008-2009 school year. Sponsored by the Medical Science Club and its advisor Douglas Glasenapp, 130 students signed up to donate blood and wear red armbands, showing dedication and goodwill.

Glasenapp was proud of all the eager young people who filled spots to give their priceless donations.

“This is the best field trip to have, where you can experience someone giving a piece of themselves,” he said, arms crossed as he looked on at the event.

It all began with two Rufus King students dying, in need of blood for their terminal illnesses. Peers at the time wanted to help in some way to prevent future deaths. Rufus King held a blood drive in the 1993-1994 school year. Fifteen years later it is still successful, thanks to students.

Feb. 6, things ran like clockwork, and the process was painless, quick and easy. “It doesn’t hurt at all,” senior Aaron Bledsoe said.

Like a Good Samaritan, he gave a double donation. “I’m excited to give blood because I know the benefits of helping someone out,” he said.    

American Red Cross workers tended to students. A long table of sweet snacks awaited donators and blood buddies.

Seniors Chelsea McKinley and blood buddy, Alexandria Price, praised the drive as a positive experience.

“I’m O positive, meaning I can give to everyone! I’m so glad!” McKinley said.  

Senior Tatiana Zaldua, president of the Medical Science Club and coordinator for its blood drives, naturally has a passion for helping others. “[Four years in the club] has taught me you’re always supposed to put others in front of you.”

Aspiring to be a future nurse, volunteering has become second nature to her, and she believes it should be the same for others.

“The atmosphere is just amazing!” Zaldua said about the drive. “I love people…I love it. Everyone should donate blood.”