Blood Drive is an Annual Tradition at Carmel High School

Every drop helps. Carmel High School’s blood drive on Thursday, February 29, was a big success.  

For decades now, students and staff from Carmel’s Alternative High School have staffed an annual blood drive at Carmel High School’s Casey Hall.  New York Blood Center officials and nurses came to the high school and collected 47 pints of blood from students, staff and community members. Those donations will help save the lives of patients in area hospitals.  

“I’ve been running this blood drive for 20 years,” said Chris Bellesheim, Carmel’s Alternative High School founder and teacher. “This gives students community service credit, and it saves lives. There is no substitute for human blood.” 

Casey, a sophomore in Alternative High School, welcomed donors as they came to Casey Hall.    

“At first I just came because my teacher said we should, but it’s really nice to help,” he said.  

The students and community members who donated on Thursday said they were glad to help.  

“I just felt it was a good cause,” said Carissa, a senior, who was donating blood. “I did it last year, so I figured I’d come back.”  

Danica, a junior, said she decided to donate in honor of her late grandfather.  

“My grandfather passed away last year,” Danica said. “I just wanted to help.”