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Hosting a blood drive
remains a staple charitable endeavor, but to A.J. Feliciano,
it's a crusade.
"I'm taking this idea and exploding it," said
Feliciano, a Rutgers College sophomore. "This is gonna be
really huge. I'm going overboard."
Instead of listing the blood drive with the blood banks donor
list and calling it a day, Feliciano, a Delta Kappa Epsilon
brother, created a full-fledged media campaign for the
fraternity's blood drive, which happens tomorrow.
Replacing what could have been a Rush Week banner is what
Feliciano called a huge, gigantic oversize banner just for the
blood drive.
"We want as much attention as possible," he said.
The blood drive - sponsored in part by the Delta Kappa Epsilon
fraternity and the Red Cross Club - is scheduled for 10 a.m. to
5 p.m. inside the main room at 78 College Ave.
The goal for the blood drive is to have 50 people registered
before tomorrow. Last week, Feliciano had more than double that.
He opened the blood drive up to the community as opposed to just
greek members or University students.
"Anybody, anyone can come, doesn't matter," Feliciano
said.
Feliciano invited University President Richard L. McCormick to
donate blood and hopes to get a picture of McCormick under the
banner.
Feliciano's excitement revolves around a recent report that puts
New Jersey at the bottom of a blood donor list. Out of all
possible donors, only 2 percent give blood - the worst in the
nation, he said.
"In fact, New Jersey is dependent on other state's blood
supply," Feliciano said.
He learned so much about blood donation and blood drives, he is
a bit of an expert.
"I've got all these facts, I've memorized them all, I'm
like a book," Feliciano said.
Blood donors must be at least 18 years old, though 17-year-olds
may donate with a signed parental permission slip available
through The Blood Center of New Jersey.
All donors must present a signed or picture identification card
and know their social security number. Potential donors should
eat a meal before giving blood.
The blood drive will have complimentary cholesterol screenings
for donors.
Feliciano said the blood drive will have music and a deejay to
make the event as fun and attractive as possible.
There is also a competition among greek organizations. Feliciano
will award a trophy to the chapter with the most donors. Greeks
should sign in at a special table.
Feliciano said he fronted much of the cost so far - around $800,
but he doesn't care.
"Money is no object when we're talking about doing
good," he said. "I strongly believe in community
service."
The event is the seventh charity project Feliciano completed
this semester.
"This state, it has everyone running fast-paced," he
said. "Instead, stop and give back to humanity."
Donors may register by calling The Blood Center of New Jersey at
1-800-NJ-BLOOD, but walk-ins are welcome tomorrow.
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