Monday, December 13 in the Lynnwood High School main gym there was something going on that is literally the difference between life and death. It was the annual blood drive organized by LHS assistant athletic director Lisa Gordon.

Over 233 pints of blood were collected. Gordon said some students waited as much as an hour and a half after the school day so they could donate.

Workers from the Puget Sound Blood Center enjoy coming to Lynnwood High School since all the students are welcoming and have good energy. “I think it’s the biggest community service project you can be involved in,” said Gordon. “Our students should be very proud because they are actually saving lives.”

Those who were 16 and above and weighed 110 pounds or more were allowed to donate blood with a photo ID.

It doesn’t take much time to save a life, in fact, each unit of blood saves three lives. Over 9000 people were saved from the blood donated by LHS last year.

Since 1999 there have been 3000 donors from Lynnwood High school and definitely more to come.

You too can make a difference, maybe not this year, but next year you can have the opportunity to donate blood and save a life.

Students who donated blood found the process simple. Before donating blood you take a questionnaire and you are given a finger prick test to check the iron level in your blood. When you get the all-clear, you get to donate and then are rewarded with cookies and juice.

Sofia Sbai is a student at Lynnwood High School.