Ben ‘ Jerry’s goes pint for pint with BU blood donors

You give a pint to get a pint. It’s that simple.

Champions yesterday gave students the sweet incentive to donate blood in memory of Megan Birdsall, a College of Communication student who died several years ago. Offering a coupon for a pint of Ben ‘ Jerry’s ice cream to those who stopped to donate blood, the event drew a constant stream of people to the basement of the George Sherman Union throughout the afternoon.

“I think it’s great that Ben ‘ Jerry’s has teamed up with the American Red Cross. This has really gotten kids interested [in giving blood], especially due to the shortage of blood recently,” said David Lutvak, a College of Engineering freshman and one of the student volunteers who stood on the plaza and encouraged students to come be rewarded for giving blood.

Sean Greenwood, who was in charge of the Scoop Truck, said the success of the program is measured not only on blood donors but also on the number of scoops given out.

“It’s that awareness piece that’s most important,” he said. “Sure, the goal is to get as many blood donors as possible, but it’s not about what can be done in a day as much as involvement.”

Students who could not give blood for various reasons were encouraged to help by volunteering and learning about the Red Cross. Greenwood said the program’s issue of greatest importance right now is a blood shortage across the states.

“We’re getting to a point where it’s pretty serious,” he said, adding the partnership with Ben ‘ Jerry’s has been very successful, and most people who donate, even for the first time, will do it again and again.

“I’m one pint away from a gallon,” Greenwood said.

BU is one of 26 colleges in this five-week tour that Greenwood calls a “social mission” — a way of giving back to the community for all those who take part in the American Red Cross Foundation.

He said Ben ‘ Jerry’s makes health and safety a little more enticing because, “We bring the fun to college campuses that the Red Cross can’t do alone.” The ice cream company’s efforts will culminate at the 12th “One World, One Heart Festival” in Vermont, a day full of appreciation for volunteers and donors.

In the basement of the GSU yesterday, donors filled out forms while waiting patiently to give blood. Joelle Sarette, a COM freshman and vice president of Champions, welcomed donors from the front desk. Although she can’t give blood she enjoys helping out in the process.

Adam Schoemaker sat nearby with a patch on his arm, choosing from the snacks and juice supplied by Champions. Schoemaker decided to give blood as one of his last BU activities.

The COM senior was donating for the first time and spoke of his fear: “I haven’t donated before because I was nervous about needles,” he said with a smile. “It also didn’t help that someone ahead of me fainted … but I’d do it again.”

Amanda Casile’s first time yesterday almost happened by accident. “I don’t know why I decided to give blood. I just had nothing to do between classes,” the CAS freshman said.