César Chávez blood drive by BGSU’s LSU was bloody successful

By Alaina Buzas, Special to La Prensa 

The Latino Student Union brought the 2^nd National César E. Chávez Blood Drive Challenge to Bowling Green State University for the first time last week.

Samantha Peña, Vice President of LSU, said that by participating in the challenge, LSU hoped to educate students on the life and work of activist César Chávez, while helping students save lives.

Samantha Peña & José Gómez
Photo by Alaina Buzas.

LSU started the blood drive with a goal of 100 donors. Over the course of two days, Peña said 303 donors contributed to the drive.

“I felt extremely appreciate of all the support we got from students on campus.

People that had never heard of César Chávez or LSU came out and helped, even if they couldn’t donate blood,” Peña said.

Peña even said a lot of people at the event, held on Chávez’s birthday, were unaware of why he is important to Latino history. She said the ignorance comes from Chávez’s story not being taught in schools. At the event, members of LSU tried to teach people about his life’s work.

“I think we did a good job educating people on who he was and what he stood for,” Peña said. “ I hope people take the time to realize what he did why it is important to recognize his legacy.”

A citywide step was also taken to further teach the community about the life of Chávez.

At noon on March 31, 2010, Bowling Green Mayor John Quinn made an official proclamation of the day as César Chávez Day for the city.

In Washington, D.C., President Barack Obama made a similar announcement.

The president proclaimed the day a national holiday, encouraging all U.S.-Americans “to observe this day with appropriate service, community, and education programs to honor César Chávez’s enduring legacy.”

BGSU student José Gómez said he appreciated the day being recognized in the city.

“It’s like Martin Luther King Jr. Day,” Gómez said. “Only we’re celebrating Latino pride, Latino heritage.”

Gómez, a pre-med major, recognized the blood drive as a good way to honor Chávez’s life of service. “You’re saving three people’s lives by donating blood,” Gómez said.

The challenge, sponsored by the College Assistance Migrant Program Alumni Association, had a donation goal of 5,000 units. Over 100 schools nationwide participated in the challenge, with BGSU and Ohio State University being the only schools in Ohio.

On the Internet:  http://www.campaa.org/