SPANISH FORT, Ala. — The Spanish Fort High School Key Club held its first blood drive at the school last week and surpassed their original goal of collecting 75 units of blood by collecting 85 units of blood, SFHS Key Club sponsor Jack Watt said.

“Since this was the first time for the school to have seniors, this was the first time to have a blood drive,” he said.

More than half of the senior class participated in the event and Watt considered the blood drive a success. Watt said the Key Club decided to sponsor the drive because the members felt strongly about the importance of donating blood. One of the teachers told him her daughter had a child that needed a lot of blood.

“It brings a tear to your eye,” Watt said. “I am totally enthused about the response and didn’t expect so many students to sign up.”

Due to guidelines, students 17 and older were only allowed to donate blood, but some younger students went door to door during the teachers’ planning times to remind teachers of the drive. Each teacher had an opportunity to donate blood, Watt said.

Watt said the blood drive went really well with few problems. Only a few students got faint, he said.

“I try to integrate one blood drive a year into the program and my intention is to have one the next school year,” he said.

SFHS senior Meghan Gentry said Thursday was the first time she ever donated blood. She said that missing school classes did not play a role in her decision. At first, she was a little apprehensive about giving blood.

“Get over it. I mean you are saving lives. It’s not about yourself,” she said.

Another senior, Chris Sedig, said this is the second time he donated blood. He said he donates because he wants to save lives. He advises newcomers that the process of donating blood is not that bad.

“If you are afraid of needles, don’t do it,” he said.

LifeSouth District Director John Chamberlain said, “The most important thing about people donating blood is there is no substitute for blood. It is a life giving substance.” Approximately 65 percent of the U.S. population is eligible to give blood, but only 5 percent are blood donors.”

He said some people have a fear of needles and are squeamish about blood, especially their own.

“Once you give, you are a donor for life because the feeling you get from donating blood is unmatched,” he said.

He said people should remember that every time they give a unit of blood they are saving a life — maybe up to three lives. Whole blood donors can donate every eight weeks and can participate in any blood drive if they are eligible.

“The need for blood is always critical because we have a need for it all the time,” said John Day, a laboratory manager for North Baldwin Infirmary.

Over a month’s time, the infirmary use approximately 40 to 50 units of blood.

The Key Club promoted the blood drive for seven weeks before the event, telling families and friends to consider donating He said the Key Club felt strongly about the importance of donating blood.

“It’s about people,” Watt said. “It’s a good thing for all of us.”