Ithaca College students are being asked to roll up their sleeves and donate blood — another way to give back to the local and national community.

This past year, the American Red Cross saw a decline in blood donations, especially A Positive, B Positive and O Positive. But students from the area’s colleges are already pledging to help. The college’s Red Cross club is setting a goal of doubling last year’s 127 blood donations. The college will also challenge Tompkins Cortland Community College to see which institution can raise the most blood in two days.

Blood donations, especially in the aftermath of the catastrophic events like the Pakistani flood, Haitian and Chilean earthquakes and Hurricane Katrina, are always greatly needed. In the past, students at the college have raised money and awareness through concerts and fundraisers for areas that have faced tragedies. But another way to show support for a cause is to give blood. The Red Cross needs about 38,000 pints of blood every day just to supply its basic needs. According to the national Red Cross website, only three out of every 100 Americans donate blood but every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Students who donate blood even one day out of the year, can help trauma and surgery patients, premature babies and cancer patients.

In the upcoming weeks, the Red Cross will host blood drives around the area, including the first-ever, two-day blood drive at the college Oct. 5 and 6. The students involved in the college’s Red Cross club are recognized for their efforts to increase blood donations from students. Students at the college are urged to help the college’s Red Cross club double last year’s donations, or go even further and donate two pints or plasma. Those who cannot give blood are still encouraged to volunteer at the blood drives.

At an institution where community service is held in high regard, donating blood is another way for students to get involved.