Students donate record 61 pints at blood drive

By GWEN ALBERS Western News Reporter

Linda Shilling has good reason to regularly give blood.

The Libby High School math teacher's brother, Howard Killam, on Sept. 4, 1988, bled to death after a car accident. He was only 24.

That's why Shilling was among 75 teachers and students who on Wednesday donated a record 61 pints of blood during another drive at the high school. The last drive netted 48 pints from 55 contributors.

"It's fantastic," said Shilling, who gives blood every 56 days - the minimum time required between donations.

"I love seeing the kids come down for the first time," the 39-year-old said. "The best thing is they're making a connection. It's something they can do the rest of their lives."

The turnout pleased Junior Charley May, a member of the L Club, which sponsored the blood drive conducted by the Lewis and Clark Region of the American Red Cross.

"It's amazing," said May. "Right now, we're two hours into it and we've had 16 people."

He also appreciated Rosauers, Pizza Hut, and Subway donating food and McDonald's giving juice.

Librarian Marlene Kelsch, who also donated blood, had no problem turning her room into a clinic for the day.

"We welcome it," Kelsch said. "It's a way to show students how to give to the community."

The blood goes to hospitals throughout Montana, said Laurie Maloney, a donor service specialist with the Red Cross and a registered nurse at St. John's Lutheran Hospital in Libby.

Students must be at least 17 with parental permission to donate. They also must weigh a minimum of 110 pounds.

"They (students) feel very good about it," Maloney said. "There's a few that will come in and say 'I'll pass out,' and then they don't have a problem."

Most who get queasy may not have been eating the right food over a period of time.

"But for the most part, they make it through," Maloney said.

For senior Matt Butler, it was his first time to donate blood.

"People need the blood and I've got plenty," Butler said.

He had no reservations about giving blood.

Senior Stuart Rios is a pro. He's given blood three times.

"I was scared the first time because I was never stuck with a needle to have blood taken," Rios said. "I had to miss PE."