Giving blood saves lives.

Yes, it might hurt for a second or two, but in the end, it’s an easy, selfless way for anyone to give back to someone in need.

And what a better way to give back during the holiday season than by giving the gift of life?

This week, there were two opportunities for the Baker community to give this special gift.

Two, different opportunities for those in Baldwin City and those who are on campus to give back in a selfless way.

But, what were students and faculty supposed to do? Give blood out of both arms?

Two blood drives happening on a campus as small as Baker within two-days of each other is bound to cause an issue of not having the desired results.

Senior Kayla Anderson hosted a blood drive Wednesday through the American Red Cross and collected 44 pints of blood.

The blood drive sponsored by the Panhellenic Council Executive Board and Interfraternity Council will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday in Collins Center. It’s through the Community Blood Center.

Different organizations.

Different sponsors.

But, both had the same intention- to save lives.

Isn’t that what really matters in the end?

Was it ideal to have the greek councils and Anderson plan blood drive events on the same week, let alone one of the busiest weeks of the semester for students?

No, it wasn’t ideal.

But for those in local hospitals and those in need of blood around the country, it can’t be ideal for them either.

So, for those who donated and volunteered during the American Red Cross drive, thank you for giving back.

For those who didn’t donate, get up and walk on over to Collins Center and donate to the Community Blood Center.

Donating blood does not take a lot of time. It doesn’t take a lot of effort and it’s a great way to give back this holiday season

It’s a busy time of year for all of us.

Each student on campus has finals and papers and projects to complete.

But, if you ever needed blood, wouldn’t you be grateful of the people who took time to donate blood?