On November 18, 2025, Harlem High School took part in an annual blood drive. Students who signed up gave their blood to the Rock River Valley Blood Bank (RRVBC) which was then processed and sent to assist patients at local hospitals who require blood.
The event was held in the Harlem High School field house during school hours so that anyone eligible to give could. Student Council has organized this event under the leadership of Mrs. Mach for five of the years, but it has also occurred many years before that.
While the reasons vary for why students give blood, some said that it was to help others. Others said it made them feel good about themselves or did it as an over-all act of service. James Gallagher (11) said the reason he gave blood was because, “I kind of just realized it helps a lot more people then it seems and it seems like a good thing to do.”
Students who volunteer from the student council assist with tasks to help the process go more smoothly. Mach says, “They mainly help me with checking people in. They also help keep an eye on when students are done giving blood they have to wait a few minutes.”
The school puts on this event to bring new experiences to students that are not only beneficial to them but also the community around them and needs faced by others. The experience benefits the community through saving lives with the gift of giving blood as well as helping the blood bank and other needs in the area.
For most, the reward is greater than any other part of the blood drive. Giselle Bello (12) says, “Just know how important it is. Your small difference makes a big impact in total. . . . Do it for the experience and know that you can genuinely save lives.”
The reason why the student council hosts this event is for all that it does for the community, but also the experience it gives to many students who sign up. According to Mrs. Mach, “We usually have at least one hundred kids sign up for it . . . we usually have the highest number of people sign up for it.”
While the act of giving blood is not always pleasant, Gallagher said, “After I got done, starting to feel better was the most rewarding because I realized I didn’t feel good for a short amount of time . . .A couple hours of not feeling good saved up to four people’s lives.”
Students who give blood know that they are not just doing it for recognition, or to get out of class, they are doing it for the community as it is a helpful event to see how people come together when there is a need posed. Students think of more than themselves, they think of what the community needs.
Bello believes that the community coming together is the greatest part of events like this. “The fact that I knew my blood is out there to save someone. I think it’s important for us all to work together and that we can all help each other.”
To thank students, Mach said, “Thank you for thinking beyond yourself. . . I think it is important as a community, not just a Harlem High School Community, but as a Winnebago County community, that we do try to think about each other a little bit more, and how we can help each other.”
The school will continue to offer more volunteer opportunities, such as this one. Those organizing the event hope that it continues to grow, but are very grateful for all who volunteer. Students can also donate blood on their own time at RRVBC to help strengthen the community and save lives.
