Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood, according to redcrossblood.org.

Blood is needed everyday for treating cancer, surgeries, transplants, blood disorders, and for those in accidents.

Milford’s leadership class held a blood drive on Dec. 2 so that each person could get a pinprick and a needle to save a life…or three.

“Instead of throwing away your Christmas presents in a few years, blood is the gift of saving a life,” said Kathy Olgeirsson.

For every pint of blood collected, three patients are helped. After collecting 112 pints of whole blood, plus five extra pints of red blood cells, 341 patients in area hospitals will once again have the chance to enjoy good health. Many MHS students contributed to this high number.

“I like doing it because it helps out people without a cost, plus I get out of class and get free food,” said Senior Alex Smith, a blood donor for the fourth time.

At every blood drive there are about 175 attempts to give blood, but some donors get turned down because they do not meet the requirements. Reasons include being underweight, having been out of the country in the last few months, illegal drug use, or being diabetic.

The number one reason why students don’t give blood is because of the fear of the needle and the reaction they may have to the donation. In reality, most people don’t have any reaction at all due to Red Cross safety regulations. The room is set to a cold temperature because it decreases the chance of a reaction and after the blood donation, donors are seated and provided food and juice. If you do feel faint, then there is a place to sit down and be alone.

It’s important to feel comfortable while having blood drawn and the leadership students do an amazing job.

Lexie McClelland, the chairmen of the blood drive, has never given blood because of a fear of needles, but realizes how important it is, so she organized this drive for about six weeks, along with most of her classmates.

According to redcrossblood.org, more than 38,000 blood donations are needed every day. Even though Milford blood donations seem small, every pint of blood makes a difference in someone’s life.