The Barrington Red Cross hosted their first meeting of the year on Wednesday, Sep. 17. As a high school chapter of the American Red Cross, the club aims to follow the same mission as the national non-profit organization: helping those suffering in emergencies and times of need. At the meeting, students learned about upcoming volunteer opportunities, events and how to be involved in the club.
During school on Sep. 29, Red Cross will be hosting their annual blood drive in the wrestling gym. Students 16 or over who meet the height and weight requirements can choose to donate blood during their open periods. Those under 18 donating need parental consent. Co-President Stephanie Yoon encourages those who are able to donate.
“Currently, there’s been a national blood shortage for the past year, so it’s important for us to try and help however we can,” Yoon said. “We encourage people to come donate and try to help give back to hospitals for patients in need.”
Red Cross is working in collaboration with another student-led club, Cards for Comfort (CFC), whose mission is to make empowering cards for patients in hospitals and nursing homes. The two clubs are planning to have a combined meeting, working together for both causes. CFC’s instagram page can be found here.
“We’re planning a joint meeting with Cards for Comfort to write cards specifically for veterans. Since November is veterans and veteran family appreciation month, we want to help give back to our veterans,” Yoon said.
Barrington Red Cross offers an opportunity to be a part of a large humanitarian effort, granting service hours applicable for NHS through their many volunteer opportunities and events.
“People should join Red Cross if they want to give back to their community, or if the Red Cross mission aligns with them, and they want to help make a difference,” Yoon said.
Newly, the club has an opportunity to participate in Red Cross’s International Humanitarian Law program, which focuses on how countries abide by humanitarian values in times of war, through student competition events. Those interested in the program should visit their page to research more.
Those who want to learn more about the club can scan to join the GroupMe, and join the schoology course (code 7PKN-STH9-6D2FK). Additionally, they have an Instagram page regularly updated with news and event opportunities.
