Del Val’s chapter of National Honor Society hosted its second blood drive of the year with the help of the American Red Cross. Monday’s successful event collected a total of 42 units of blood. This, in combination with the previous drive, resulted in a good year for NHS, collecting almost 100 units total.

“We’ve saved a lot of lives this year at Del Val,” NHS adviser Bessy Kapetanakis said.

Donations are collected by the American Red Cross, who will distribute the blood to hospitals in need.

To donate in future blood drives, you must be at least 16 years old with parental consent and have a healthy BMI/blood pressure.

“As far as preparing, make sure you’re well hydrated and eat something for breakfast,” counselor and NHS adviser Ashley Miranda said.

Both Kapetanakis and Miranda emphasized that every donation makes a difference.

”Each person coming in and giving 10 minutes of their time can save a life,” Kapetanakis said. “It’s a pretty amazing thing.”

For those still looking to give back to the community, NHS is holding a food drive on March 22 at the ShopRite in Flemington.