Final Andover-Lahser Blood Drive Challenge Under Way

Donors are still needed for the Fifth and Final Blood Drive Challenge today between Andover and Lahser high schools.

Appointments started at 8 a.m. today at both schools and will continue through 8 p.m. in an effort to help replenish depleted blood reserves for people impacted by Superstorm Sandy. The effort, coordinated with the American Red Cross, pits students from each school in a contest to see which can collect the most blood.

The schools will merge next fall and a two-year transition involving the Lahser building is planned.

Of Interest:

The Red Cross recently issued a nationwide alert for donations given the cancellation of hundreds of blood drives in 14 East Coast states. Red Cross chapters all over the country have shown their support by sending units of blood and blood products to those places in need of it, said Beth Sinclair, an Andover parent that helped students coordinate the event.

She said the recent storm disaster has also added a little incentive.

"I think this is what America does best. We rally to help and support those in need, and it is one more way to give besides a monetary donation, which is important as well," she said.

For appointments at Andover, contact Brenna Turner(8AM-2PM) at brennalee123@gmail.com or Judy Weiner(2PM-8PM) at judwilwei@aol.com or Beth Sinclair at tbsinclair21@gmail.com.

For appointments at Lahser,  please contact Jessica Lupone (8AM-2PM) at jlupone@bloomfield.org - 248-341-5700, or Tressa Mucci (2PM-8PM) at tsmucci@comcast.net.

Donors must be 17 years of age (or 16 with parental permission), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height); and  in generally good health.