The Stream Team

Students, staff, teachers and a number of other eager donors recently gathered together to face the needle. On that cloudy Monday morning, the LifeStream Community Blood Drive Truck parked right in front of the John M. Pfau Library on the Cal State San Bernardino (CSUSB) campus. Tents were up, white seats were aligned across the grass and one-by-one awaiting donors filled them, ready to help and excited to give. “Last time we did the drive here at CSUSB, we got close to 80 people registered and about 65 good units of blood,” shared Donor Specialist Noah Martinez. The seats were filled within seconds. As soon as one seat became available and someone was called into the truck to begin their donation, another person claimed it as their own almost instantly. Faithful donors and first timers were in attendance, extending their arms and surrendering ounces of their own lives to help save another. Some chose to donate just to help, and others shared that they did it because they understand what it feels like to be the one, or know someone, in need of blood for health reasons. When asked why she gives blood, college Sophomore Jacqueline Mata shared, “I am a Universal Donor, type O so I can donate blood to anyone. They can take my blood and it helps save lives. It’s just one of the things that I do.” Every donor was appreciated. They were treated with hospitality, receiving snacks and $5 In-N-Out gift cards. LifeStream Blood Drives take place at CSUSB every other month.