Fall makes me nostalgic for my college days, and particularly the weeks surrounding Homecoming. As a student at Mizzou, and a member of the Greek system, Homecoming was more than just a tradition – it was practically a religion. Mizzou stakes claim to creating the “Homecoming” concept back in 1911 for the football rivalry between Missouri and Kansas. Today, football still reigns strong. But beyond the game, months are spent strategizing plans for a float, house decorations, a skit and, of course – the annual Red Cross Blood Drive.
The Mizzou Homecoming Blood drive is the largest on-campus blood drive in the country! Since it started in 1985 as a partnership with the Red Cross, more than 86,000 units have been collected. Since each unit can save up to three lives, that’s more than 250,000 lives saved!
This year, the theme of the blood drive is “Fight to Save Lives,” and the goal is to reach 3,658 units. Today is the last day for the big drive at the Hearnes Center Fieldhouse. But you can still contribute to the success of Homecoming by donating here in St. Louis. You can donate at one of the “
satellite locations ” until Sunday.
Katie Nagus is the communication coordinator for the St. Louis Area Chapter.