April 7, Howell hosted a blood drive. As long as the requirements, such as having healthy blood, weighing 120 pounds or being over 16 were met, anyone could donate.

“St. Louis needs 800 pints of blood a day just to meet demand of St. Louis alone. Although, if someone in nearby states needs some, then we will send it there,” Tim Schwab, Donor Recruitment Manager at American Red Cross, St Charles County, said.

American Red Cross visits schools all year long. Most schools they like to hit in first and third quarter. The amount of students or teachers donating can range anywhere from 25 to about 120. Howell collected 49 usable pints.

“When anyone comes in to donate they have to read the packet, then give a brief health history. After both of those are complete, blood is donated. It takes 15 minutes to rest, recover and get a snack, then they are sent back to class,” Schwab said.

Sophomore Emily Triplett donated first hour.

“I thought it was the right thing to do and I know that it saves lives,” Triplett said. “It was totally worth it because my brother went through a tragic accident and lost a lot of blood. He needed a donor, and I’m grateful someone did it for him, so I did it for him and any others in need of blood.”