Press "Enter" to skip to content

Greek life trades sweet treats for pints of blood

Students donate pints of blood in exchange for pints of Culver’s ice cream at this year’s Greek Week blood drive. Photo by Ann Foley.
Students donate pints of blood in exchange for pints of Culver’s ice cream at this year’s Greek Week blood drive. Photo by Ann Foley.

At this year’s Greek Week blood drive, students were able to donate a pint of blood in exchange for a pint of Culver’s ice cream.

Greek organizations on campus held an American Red Cross blood drive this week at Markin Recreational Center as part of Bradley’s Greek Week. Culver’s and the American Red Cross have a sponsorship, so the restaurant decided to donate certificates for one free pint of custard to all donors.

Greek Week, hosted by Fraternity and Sorority Life, is a week-long event for greek organizations to hold games, activities and charity events throughout a designated week each spring.

“We are very excited to promote the greek blood drive in this new way,” Brandon Sheraden, a sophomore criminal justice studies major and director of special events for Interfraternity Council, said. “Not only do we hope this free coupon for a pint will attract more students, faculty and staff to donate, but it’s a unique way for the Red Cross, the Interfraternity Council and the Panhellenic Council to say, ‘Thank you,’ to those who donate.”

Greek Week takes place annually, and the blood drive ended today. All volunteers were members of sororities and fraternities, but any students and faculty members were able donate.

“I heard about the Greek Week blood drive through my sorority, Sigma Delta Tau,” freshman marketing major Annie Birnberg said. “I decided to volunteer for my sorority, but also to help out and give back to the Bradley community.”

Bradley works with the local Peoria Red Cross to support their blood bank. The account manager at the American Red Cross, Tony Baker, helped arrange the drive.

“This blood drive is to help keep the shelves stocked, so we can supply the hospitals who can help the patients that will need the life saving blood,” Baker, a donor recruitment representative, said. “We make sure our local hospitals here in Peoria are fully supplied before we start distributing nationwide.”

The Panhellenic and IFC leaders decided to make the drive Wednesday through Friday because it worked best for the local Red Cross. They also wanted to allow students a large time slot to participate.

“I’ve donated blood before, but I’ve never been a part of a greek life event like this,” sophomore health science major Jessica Molina said. “A large portion of Bradley’s campus [came] together to do something so great.”

Copyright © 2023, The Scout, Bradley University. All rights reserved.
The Scout is published by members of the student body of Bradley University. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the University.