In partnership with the Los Angeles Rams and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, California Lutheran University hosted a blood drive on its campus on Thursday, Oct. 9. Rampage, the Rams’ mascot, and two Rams cheerleaders were in attendance to promote the event to the campus community.
The drive, which lasted from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Memorial Parkway, is one of several collaborations between Cedars-Sinai and Cal Lutheran over the past three years, according to Darlene Garcia, blood drive coordinator for Cedars-Sinai.
“We have been pretty blessed to have this partnership,” Garcia said. “We average about 40 donors every time we come.”
Donors were offered both a Halloween-themed t-shirt and a Target or In-N-Out gift card in exchange for their donation. They also were offered refreshments including water, chips, nuts and cookies.
“Usually at the blood drives [donors] get a choice of a t-shirt or a gift card, but here they’re getting both,” Garcia said.
The event was organized by senior Laylanie Valenzuela, a marketing communication major, who serves as an events and outreach intern for Alumni, Family and Community Relations.
“My role is a coordinator on the Cal Lu side for these blood drives,” Valenzuela said. “Event coordinating is my passion.”
Valenzuela said it is important to give blood, and that students can help even if they are afraid of needles or are unable to give blood.
“Some students want to donate but can’t, but it’s really about spreading the word. I know there’s a blood shortage here in Thousand Oaks and also in L.A.,” Valenzuela said.
Valenzuela said the university will aim to have monthly blood drives going forward, instead of the more sporadic schedule currently in place.
“Our goal this year is to have a blood drive every single month. The next blood drive is November 6, students that want to give blood that missed this month can give blood then instead of having to wait two more months,” Valenzuela said.
