University Relations

201-M Burruss Hall

800 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24061
540-231-8126 Fax: 540-231-1234
www.vtnews.vt.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact:
Carey Johnson
804-895-5813
careyj@vt.edu

Virginia Tech students and community members give back

BLACKSBURG, Va., Feb. 13, 2017-The Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets is sponsoring a
blood drive Feb. 15-17 in the universitys Squires Student Centers Old Dominion
Ballroom from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Although walk-ins are welcome, appointments are
preferred and can be made at the Virginia donor website, using the sponsor code
VTCC.

Anyone can donate blood at this blood drive, as

long as they are healthy and pass all of the medical
tests given beforehand. The American Red Cross
recommends that donors prepare for the blood
donation by drinking plenty of water, eating well,
and bringing a photo ID.

Virginia Tech junior cadet Ben Taitano has

participated in numerous Corps of Cadets
sponsored blood drives in his three years at the
university. Taitano believes giving blood is the
easiest form of community service for college Photo courtesy of Shay Barnhart
students to participate in. The Corps of Cadets Two Virginia Tech freshmen cadets hold up an
typically sponsors at least one blood drive per event sign and holiday-themed t-shirt,
semester, but there are other blood drives in the promoting the last Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets
area as well. blood drive in December 2016. Blood donors
receive a free t-shirt and refreshments when they
The best part about giving blood is knowing that donate.
you are helping someone, because you can save three lives with every pint you donate,
said Taitano.1


VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE AND STATE UNIVERSITY
Ut Prosim
 2 Cadets offer community a chance to give back

Donating blood should take about 30 minutes.

The American Red Cross says if someone is eligible to donate blood, they could be
someone elses hero every eight weeks. The demand for blood is normally high, as local
hospitals are constantly receiving patients in need of blood transfusions.

I am especially looking forward to this blood drive because I know there is usually a
shortage of blood during the winter months, Taitano said. Its the least I can do when I
am healthy and my body is making blood regularly, while other people are in desperate
need.

Virginia Tech juniors Chloe Colvin and Sarah LaCoste look forward to this blood drive
every semester. As busy college students, they always try to make room in their schedule
for this selfless act.

Donating blood is a great way to give back to the greater community. Since Virginia
Tech values Ut Prosim so much, I think students are always looking for ways to make a
difference, Colvin said. Giving blood can help save someones life, and because we
have such a larger student body, we as a school could help a large amount of people.

LaCoste first donated blood when she was 16 years old, and has been doing so ever since.

I donate blood because it is an easy, selfless way that can make a difference in
someones life. You never know when a tragedy could occur, LaCoste said.

The Corps of Cadets takes pride in their blood drive tradition at Virginia Tech, and they
encourage all members of the community to participate.

For more information on the benefits and risks of donating blood, visit the Red Cross
website.

As one of the largest universities in the state, Virginia Techs inspiring motto of Ut
Prosim, meaning, That I may serve, makes a large impact on the surrounding
community. Whether it is donations, blood drives, service projects or a helping hand,
Virginia Tech is always willing to help someone in need. Students go above and beyond
to make sure their service potential is being fulfilled.

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 University Relations
201-M Burruss Hall
800 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24061
540-231-8126 Fax: 540-231-1234
www.vtnews.vt.edu
Due Date: ________________________________


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