East Carolinian

Issue date: 3/19/09 Section: Features

Media Credit: staff Photo

Media Credit: Travis Bartlett

Phi Beta Chi hosted a blood drive Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Student Health Service building.

The goal for blood donors for this drive was set for 40 but the Christian social sorority came short with 29.

Elizabeth Clark, an account manger for the American Red Cross, assists sponsor groups with hosting blood drives and helps an organization set up donor goals. She also enjoys working with the Phi Beta Chi sorority.

"They have been a huge support for blood drives on the ECU campus," said Clark. "They are one of are strongest support groups in drives and do very well with getting donors."

"It is Phi Beta Chi tradition to host a blood drive event every semester," said Andrea Vanden, the sorority's recruitment director. "I think it is important and it helps people that need blood. I like doing stuff like this because it shows that our sorority is compassionate and has a heart for people in need."

This is the second blood drive this school year hosted by the sorority. The first one took place last semester, and the sorority exceeded the minimum expected donors.

Spring break had a huge impact on the amount of donors this time around.

"Tuesday was a little unique and with coming off the heels of spring break it was hard to recruit donors as usual," Clark said.

ECU students attended the blood drive for different reasons.

Students receive extra credit in health and exercise classes whenever they donate at blood drives on campus.

"I'm here for extra credit," said health student Chaly Murphy. "But I also like the giving part. The extra credit is just a perk."

The blood drive was in full swing by the early afternoon, with students at each station --either waiting to finish the blood-donating process or re-energizing with water and snacks afterward.

Be on the lookout for the sorority's next blood drive and other upcoming blood drives on campus this month.



This writer can be contacted at features@theeastcarolinian.com.

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