The Village Blood Drive fell short of its goal on Monday, collecting only 30 pints of blood.
Quite a few donors were rejected, Logan Hindsley, leasing consultant at Windermere Place Apartments, said. About 20 students could not donate due to health reasons.
Windermere Place, the Ball Memorial Blood Bank and 18 local businesses sponsored the six-hour drive. Sharon Rhodes, donor services coordinator of the blood bank, said the bank has fought to replenish supplies.
Rhodes said raising 50 pints has been a struggle. With 20 ineligible donors, Hindsley said the drive's goal was just out of reach.
"At every blood drive, people are turned away for various reasons," Hindsley said. "Maybe they had a tattoo or a cold."
Junior Mary Kellar said she couldn't donate last week at the Department of Journalism's blood drive because of a sinus infection.
"I was afraid that I wasn't able to give blood (today), but they said I was fine," Kellar said. "I'm feeling better now."
Hindsley said despite the drive's missed goal of 50-70 pints, he was happy with the turnout.
"It's not quite the goal we wanted," Hindsley said. "I think it will help some people, and I think the students had a good time."
Whatever their eligibility, potential donors entered a raffle for gift certificates and prizes. Hindsley said the raffle's intent was to increase shopping in the Village, not to lure in new donors.
"It helps the businesses advertise, so donors will have to come back to the Village to use them," Hindsley said.
More than half the donors had given blood before, Hindsley said.
Junior Joe Craig said he's donated blood at least 10 times. He said donors sign up because they want to help others, not to win prizes.
"I don't really think people came to donate blood just for a T-shirt," Craig said. "But they're nice little prizes. I wouldn't mind winning a free sub from Subway."
Sophomore Amanda Long said corporate sponsorship was a good idea.
"I didn't have any idea it was sponsored by any kind of business," Long said. "I think it's cool. It shows community involvement."
Craig said he hopes more people donate in the future.
"A lot more people should do it than actually do," Craig said. "They take care of you in there."
Hindsley said Windermere Place plans to sponsor more community events such as blood drives in the future, possibly next year.
"The next time, hopefully we can get more people down there," Hindsley said.
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