Donors Not Deterred by Frigid Temps As MCCC-Fulton Bank Blood Drive Reaches Its Goal
2/11/19
West Windsor, N.J. – Despite temperatures that barely got out of the single digits on Jan. 31, Mercer County Community College (MCCC) students and staff, Fulton Bank staff, and members of the community came out to give blood during the American Red Cross Blood Drive (ARC), co-hosted by MCCC and Fulton Bank at the college’s West Windsor Campus.
MCCC students stepped up in a big way, with approximately half the donations coming from the student body.
The common refrain among students was that the drive was an opportunity to do some good. Said Engineering student Oliver Duvereau, “My mom needed blood. Maybe I can help save someone else’s life.” Another donor, Rukhma Mir, who is studying Chemistry and Biology at Mercer, said, “If someone else needs it, why would I not give?”
Added Marlina Frias, a Biology major who is considering a career in medicine, “It’s always good to help the community and people in need.”
Business was brisk throughout the day, as many walk-ins arrived in addition to those with scheduled appointments. By day’s end, the drive had achieved its goal, with 40 registered donors and a collection of 38 productive units that included five double red cell procedures, the most frequently used blood component needed by almost every type of transfusion patient.
Fulton Bank’s staff was also well represented. Senior Vice President Sean Murray has been donating blood for 35 years and says the bank is proud to partner with MCCC in this annual initiative. “It’s part of the bank’s mission to give back to the community. What better place than at our local community college? We want to do our part in this vital effort to save lives.”
Assistant Dean and Athletic Director John Simone also donates regularly. He notes that the drive is particularly important for students. “Often, it is their first experience giving blood and may well be the start of a lifetime of giving.”
ARC representative Carol Field expressed her appreciation to all who gave. “With these donations, we will be able to help as many as 114 patients,” she said. “We thank all who participated during this timeframe of critical need.”
MCCC soccer player Eial Marzouk was among students who signed up throughout the day.
From left, ARC volutneer Susan Sumutka, MCCC Assistant Dean John Simone, Fulton Bank's Soni Sharma and Savita Lachman, and MCCC President Jianping Wang.
Students review procedures and protocols before donating blood.
Room 104 in the Student Center became a blood donation room for a day.