Philanthropy at Washington University seems to follow a pattern of passive involvement. Generally, this passive philanthropy comprises of buying items to support charitable organizations, such as John’s Donuts or Seoul Taco.

On Friday, Aug. 28, I promoted Washington University’s first blood drive of the year at the Fall Activities Fair. But rather than tabling or aggressively handing out flyers, I wore the blood drop costume to raise awareness.

Washington University’s first ally-donation blood drive, which encouraged men who were ineligible to donate due to their sexual history to partner with an ally to donate in their places, took place Thursday at four locations on campus.

This Tuesday, Jan. 28, Washington University is having another blood drive in cooperation with the American Red Cross and the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center. While it is always important to donate every opportunity we get, this drive is particularly important because the recent weather has caused a shortage of blood donations in our area.

Tomorrow’s blood drive, and the “I Donated” stickers that will proliferate on students’ T-shirts across campus, mark an honorable occasion. Blood banks are as vital as they are under-resourced, and the University is right to give blood drives its full-throated support. Moreover, the University’s contribution to the blood supply is exemplary.

After two successful blood drives and a range of service activities, the Community Service Office hopes to continue to expand its programming.

A record number of 740 Washington University community members signed up to donate blood on Sept. 16. Today–56 days later–those same donors will be able to harness what the blood […]