“Give blood and get free food” could be the Red Cross’s new motto for blood drives. Many people came to the blood drive Wednesday to donate blood and eat free food.

Volunteer Kristin Giglietti, a junior biology major, said the blood drive was a great success. Near the end of the drive, it looked like its goal would be reached.

“We are hoping for 250 (donors) by 7 p.m., and we have 212 now.”

The event was sponsored by Alpha Phi Omega and the American Red Cross. Blood drives have been held at Eastern since it was built, Giglietti said. Another blood drive, taking place Thursday, also is being hosted by the American Red Cross but a different sponsor.

Sarah Kistler, a freshman biology and pre-med major, said it was her first time attending a blood drive at Eastern.

“I donated blood back home – I thought I would do it here.”

Some people who were donating said it felt like they were contributing to the conflict in Iraq.

After the blood is taken from the donor, the blood is transferred from the drive to a process center, then distributed to hospitals nationwide, Giglietti said. If there was an excess, the blood would be transferred nationwide to other processing centers.

The Red Cross said O-negative blood is currently needed.

Giglietti said about one pint is taken when someone gives blood. The human body has about eight to 12 pints, and males and females both give the same amount of blood.

Amanda Liter, a sophomore biology major, volunteered to help at the drive.

“I am getting extra credit for my human anatomy class,” she said.

For the human anatomy students, extra credit was given for volunteering at the drive or giving blood, Liter said. This was her motivation.