A blood drive will take place on campus from Tuesday, March 10 to Thursday, March 12, according to a report from Cedars-Sinai Blood Donor Services.

The Inter-Club Council is sponsoring, and will be hosting, the blood drive in an effort to get the community involved and do something to give back to others.

“The campus does a good job,” K. Breanna von Stein, Student Services Specialist, said when asked about the turnout. “We always get close to our goal.”

While walk-ins are welcome, potential donors are also urged to sign up online at www.donatebloodcedars.org with the code: ELCC.

After giving a donation, participants will receive either a free shirt or a coupon for a free pint of Baskin Robbins ice cream.

When asked about how the students prepared for the event, Von Stein said, “The students prepare by coordinating with the Cedar-Sinai hospital staff. They need to reserve the area on campus and the other clubs help promote it.”

However, there are guidelines set by the Food and Drug Administration that must be followed. To qualify, all donors must be at least 17 years old, be in good health, weigh at least 110 pounds, cannot be currently taking antibiotics unless it is for acne treatment and can have no history of hepatitis after the age of 11.

In addition, potential donors cannot have had any tattoos or permanent makeup done within the past 12 months, cannot have traveled to an area with malaria within that same span of time and cannot have used intravenous drugs ever.

Finally, all potential donors must have photo ID with them when attempting to donate.

While the list to qualify for donating is rather lengthy, precautions must be taken to protect those receiving the blood, as well as those who wish to donate.

Before donating, it is advised to get a good night’s rest, drink plenty of water and make sure to eat a well-balanced meal before and afterwards to keep from feeling any potential side effects.

Some of the most common side effects that occur are dizziness, chills and potential lightheadedness, according to a report by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

“It’s always successful. Even if very little people show up, it is a success because you are saving lives. El Camino always comes out. We always get close to our goal. I foresee it being a very big success,” Von Stein said.

The three-day event will be held in the Student Activities Center East Lounge on Tuesday, March 10 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 11 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and will end on Thursday, March 12 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

For more information on the event or for those who have more questions on their eligibility to donate, call Cheryl Berlow at 310-945-6137.