Community Blood Center nurses and UW Oshkosh students came together with the shared goal of helping those in need of blood transfusions on Wednesday.

The Bloodmobile that comes to campus allows students to help out while at school.

Freshman Emiliano Alcorta said he has given blood two times before and does so to help those who need a transfusion.

“People need it, I know, eventually,” Alcorta said. “I can at least help someone out there.”

Junior Matilda Cretens said she gives blood because of how much it can help medical patients in a simple way.

“I think it’s really important to give to people who need it,” Cretens said. “Especially since it’s an easy way to help out.”

Cretens said more people should donate and not let a fear of needles prevent them from helping someone.

“It’s really not that big of a deal,” Cretens said. “I just got poked twice in my fingers, and I wasn’t even able to give anything.”

Despite being unable to donate blood due to low iron levels, Cretens said she thinks that going in with the thought of helping is what counts.

In reference to a previous donation, Cretens said she knows that by donating just once she can help out three people.

Sophomore Elizabeth Weiland said she donates blood to help people after the natural disasters that have been happening.

“I just want to help out,” Weiland said. “I know that there’s blood needed for the hurricane.”

Before signing up, Weiland said she tried to get others to join her in donating.

“I was asking people to join me, to donate blood, and I noticed how few people are actually eligible to donate blood,” Weiland said. “I figured if I’m eligible than I should.”

Weiland said more people should donate because there’s an urgent need right now especially after disasters and around the world.

Ashley Kelvington, a community blood center nurse, said she enjoys helping out because she knows it’s going to someone in the community.

“My favorite part is actually knowing that it’s going to someone in our community,” Kelvington said. “It’s going to someone right here in the Fox Valley.”

In the past, she was able to meet someone who has been saved by a blood transfusion at a blood drive on his farm.

“I did a blood drive out in Berlin when a farmer’s tractor rolled over onto him, and he was pinned underneath and his legs were crushed,” she said. “He needed 302 units of blood from his surgeries and multiple transfusions during his recovery process, and I actually got to meet the guy.”

Kelvington said she would like more people to donate so there are more good stories to be heard.

“You always hear the horror stories,” Kelvington said. You never hear the good ones.”

Vanessa Kiesling, another nurse, said there are health requirements to donate but there are only a few to meet.

Kiesling said she enjoys helping out with these blood drives because of the stories she hears from the people who donate.

“A lot of people who have known people who need transfusions,” Kiesling said. “Or they have been doing it since high school. So, it’s pretty cool.”

Kiesling said more people should donate because it’s an easy way to help.

“Not everyone has money to donate,” Kiesling said. “But everybody has time.”