With the help of the Red Cross the New Ulm FFA put on a blood drive in the C gym. FFA officers were excited to have it back after two years of not having the blood drive. All students and staff were invited to donate throughout the day, as well as various family members and staff alumni. The FFA had various food and beverage donations from local companies to help refuel the donors after their donations.

Over 55 students and guests participated in the FFA’s blood drive. Due to scheduling the FFA hasn’t been able to have the blood drive for the last two years. The blood drive has been happening annually since the construction of the new high school. The FFA plans to keep the blood drive annually with the hopes of gaining larger donor numbers.

The FFA provided various snacks and beverages from around the community. These donations came from Schmidts Meat Market (Summer Sausage), Arenson Beverage Company (1919 Root Beer), Hyvee (Chips and Crackers), and Kraft Heinz (Cheese).

“I hope that I can help people give blood for the first time and continue to give blood,” said FFA advisor Mr. Nelson. According to the American Red Cross, only 3% of the eligible donating population actually donate. Along with the donation of Blood, the FFA hopes to create lifelong donors for the Red Cross.  The process is relatively painless and is over in 10-15 minutes.

“Was not as bad as I expected; I plan on becoming a regular donor,” said Senior Kolton Achman. Many students had similar feelings about giving blood for the first time. “The only part about it that hurt was the pinch of the needle”, said Senior Zach Tolzmann.