Hundreds have lined up at UCF this week to give blood in an outpouring of support from the campus and Central Florida communities, and blood drives will continue on campus the next two weeks.
UCF will host Big Red Buses from One Blood outside the Student Union on Monday, June 20 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
On Monday, June 27, UCF will host a larger blood and platelets drive with several Big Red Buses from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Bright House Networks Stadium. More details about this event will be available soon.
Throughout the past few days, students, faculty, staff and even many with no connection to the university have waited outside of the Student Union and inside Bright House Networks Stadium where One Blood’s Big Red Buses collected donations.
Blood is desperately needed by local hospitals in the aftermath of Saturday’s tragic shooting outside Pulse nightclub, with some victims needing multiple transfusions.
On Monday, June 20, President John C. Hitt made an early visit to the bus outside the Student Union and a memorial of candles and gold roses laid upon the UCF seal.
Knightro and student-athletes from the Knights’ men’s and women’s basketball teams greeted and thanked donors as they waited. SGA President Chris Clemente, police officers and the children of some UCF employees handed out water bottles and popsicles to help keep people hydrated while they waited patiently.
Domino’s, Smoothie King, Pizza Hut and Sonny’s surprised volunteers and donors with free food and drinks. And even Bodhi, the therapy dog for UCF Counseling and Psychological Services, stopped by offer his support.
After donating blood, many went inside the Student Union, where candles and gold roses were laid upon the UCF seal. Others signed multiple cards, boards and letters expressing their sorrow and support for Orlando. Some hugged each other, some cried quietly and some took photos.
Please visit OneBlood.org for the latest information about blood drives on campus.