Submitted by Amy Strong, Sports Information Director, Trinity Christian College

On November 10, instead of gathering in the gymnasium, the majority of the men’s basketball team assembled in the Grand Lobby of the Ozinga Chapel on campus to help out with a Red Cross blood drive. The event was organized by senior basketball student-athlete Michael Thompson as a part of the Red Cross/NAIA Collegiate Leadership Program. 

Last summer Thompson spent two weeks in Washington D.C. in leadership training with Red Cross and NAIA executives. In response to the community and cultural training he received, Thompson organized the local blood drive.

Thompson took the lead in planning the blood drive and working with the local Red Cross in implementing the event. He was also responsible for securing volunteers and advertising the event. Thompson’s teammates, as well as a handful of other students on campus, served as volunteers throughout the day, helping with registration, handing out snacks and t-shirts, and conversing with the blood donors.

“We had a total of 86 donors, mostly students and faculty members, and were able to donate 71 units of blood,” said Thompson. “At the very beginning of the planning with the Red Cross the initial goal was 39 units. After revising that number a couple of times, we set the target at 57. It was great to see how we exceeded expectations. “

The blood collected from the drive will go to the Red Cross, who will test it and distribute it locally or nationally. Through the event, Thompson hoped to draw an awareness of the need to donate blood and to encourage everyone to do their part. In Chicago alone the daily need is 1,500 units of blood.

“I thought the drive went well and it was nice to have my teammates support me by helping out,” said Thompson. “The event was scheduled to run from 10-4 pm, but went about an hour longer as we had people still donating. For the most part everything went smoothly, but we did get back-up when a number of classes let out and we had more walk-ins than expected. But that was a good problem to have.”

During the day, a representative of the local Red Cross chapter as well as the CEO and the head of Donor Relations from the regional headquarters were present and gave positive feedback.  

Thompson plans on organizing another blood drive on campus in the spring. He is considering expanding that event by doing more advertising in the community and surrounding neighborhoods.

To learn more about the Red Cross/NAIA Collegiate Leadership Program click here. To learn more at Trinity Christian College click here. 

Photo: Michael Thompson (far right) at the Red Cross/NAIA Collegiate Leadership training program in Washington, DC...Michael and classmates attend Washington Nationals game...part of the many fun activities planned during the students two-week stay in DC.