University of Memphis fraternity Lambda Chi Alpha hosted a blood drive in partnership with Lifeblood of Memphis in the Central parking lot Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The fraternity's philanthropy chair, Chris Xa, said he felt that some organization should fill the void of the Lifeblood center that left campus a year ago.
"We are about giving back to the community, and the blood drive is one way to do that," Xa said.
He contacted Jason Sykes, marketing director of Lifeblood of Memphis, and, over the course of three weeks, convinced Lifeblood to bring a truck to campus.
"There is not really any chance for Memphis students to give blood during homecoming, and we know students want to give," Xa said in his pitch to Sykes.
Once Sykes agreed, the blood for the philanthropy initiative started to be drawn.
U of M student Josh Culver tried to give blood but was unable. The freshman nursing major said he wanted to give blood to help other people.
"Whoever needs it, they can have it," Culver said.
One student who was able to donate was freshman Jordan Hockaday. For her, the tiny prick for drawing blood was worth it.
"I decided to donate because my fear of needles is a little bit smaller than those three people's lives I can save," she said.
Monday's blood drive saw 50 donations, and Xa said Lambda Chi will "definitely" make it an annual event.
