By Emily Dubinsky
Staff Writer
Manhattan Beach Middle School held its 11th annual blood drive on Nov. 6 in partnership with the University of California Los Angeles to give the community the opportunity to donate blood locally.
Every year the event gets approximately 80-90 donors who are usually parents and family members of MBMS students. MBMS is the only middle school in Los Angeles that host’s blood drives on their campus run by UCLA. According to Linda Goss, the UCLA Community Liaison this blood drive brings the community together, gives exposure to the cause and teaches students the importance of donating blood.
“This blood drive is a hands-on way for students to learn about the importance of donating blood,” Goss said.
According to UCLA blood drive volunteer Julie Argue, this blood drive is an opportunity for MBMS and the Manhattan Beach community to give back to the local blood banks and patrons in need while helping UCLA.
“This is a great way to show the students how important it is to give back to people in need,” Argue said.
This event is all parent based donors due to the fact that the minimum age to donate is 17-years-old; however,16-year-olds are allowed to donate blood with parental consent. In addition Mira Costa High School also holds an annual blood drive at the school where a portion of the students are eligible to donate blood.
UCLA used incentives to get the attention of the school by giving the class with the most donations a prize. All participants were also given a free movie ticket for their donation. According to MBMS principal John Jackson, this was a great way of encouraging the students to have their parents and other adults participate in the blood drive.
“We are proud to host such an important event that allows our students to see an easy way to help and make difference,” Jackson said.
Goss stated that all donations will support MBMS, UCLA, local blood banks and patients in need. According to Goss, Manhattan Beach residents consistently support local community events, which is crucial to the success of the drive.
“Even though 38% of the population is eligible to donate blood, less than 10% actually do,” Goss said. “Our local blood reserve is at a dangerously low level, so we encourage everybody to donate blood.”
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