(March 14, 2008) — “I want to save a life by giving someone a part of me, not something materialistic,” junior Gina Song said about donating blood in this year’s annual blood drive. The Red Cross Blood Drive held every year at Clark that was postponed from October will now be held next Friday. According to ASB Vice President Paula Garabekyan, the blood drive was cancelled from its original date due to how busy the Red Cross had been in the beginning of the year. However, there is a large demand for blood at this current time. So far, 74 students have signed up, twice the amount of those in 2006’s drive, according to ASB Advisor Susan Giatti. Much of the rise in the numbers is due to the change in criteria for donating blood, which changed from 17 years of age to 16. “I think students are still scared about donating blood, but they know it’s going to help someone,” Giatti said. A waiting list had been created up until this past week because of the large number of students that had signed up to become donors. However, all students who signed up are now allowed to donate blood because ASB got the required approval from the Red Cross. Students like Song are afraid to donate, but still willing to do so. “I’m afraid to donate because I’m scared of needles,” Song said. Junior Justin Lee says that there is no need to be scared because he knows he will be saving a life. Both Song’s and Lee’s parents, though, have yet to agree with their decisions. Students under the age of 17 must submit a consent form signed by a parent or guardian in order to donate blood. Another requirement for donating blood that applies to all ages is the weight requirement of at least 110 pounds. Many sports students wish to donate blood, fear losing energy before practice or games, and this fear is keeping them from being donors. “I really wish I could donate, but I’m afraid it will affect my performance since I am in season,” said junior Vatche Bahudian, a swimmer on the GHS team.