The 12 Days of Hope blood drive ran from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on September 1.

The purpose of the blood drive was to be a part of the 12 Days of Hope organized by Pius X staff member Carrie Herrera, the wife of officer Mario Herrera.

“All kinds of blood are wanted, but types such as O+ and O- were preferred,” said Nebraska Community Blood Bank nurse Kate Lavalluer.

Some of the many benefits of donating blood are it can reveal unknown health problems, it can reduce harmful iron build ups, it can reduce the risk of cancer, and more.

At the end of the day, 30 donations had occurred.

“I am working with blood because I am a nurse, I like to help people out, and talking to donors is always fun,” Lavalluer said.

The one-day Pius X drive was part of a 12-day campaign to increase blood donations in honor of officer Mario Herrera. Blood drives were planned at other Lincoln schools as well.

Blood worker Jacky Pepburn said they enjoy going to the Lincoln schools and meeting new faces.