Dance Marathon will hold a blood drive today, Wednesday, Dec. 10, from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM in the Student Commons.

“The blood drive is a great way for Dance Marathon to get money and it’s an easy way for kids to help out. We’re excited about the profits, but we need as many people to sign up so keep signing up outside the cafe during lunch periods,” senior executive Rita Carmona said.

Dance Marathon executives will be outside the cafeteria today during lunch periods signing up any students willing to become donors. Dance Marathon earns 50% of the profits from people’s donations, so this is a great chance to raise funds for this year’s charity, The Dan Horyn Foundation. This foundation seeks to raise awareness of esophageal cancer, which has little research and drug development funding that exists.

Lauren Flahive, teacher and an organizer of the drive, says how much they earn depends on how many donors there are. “We hope to raise around $800,” she said.

There are a few requirements students must meet before they can sign up for the blood drive. Students must be at least 16 years of age and 110 lbs to donate blood. Students will complete a medical survey with a specialist from Life Source to determine eligibility. Students under the age of 17 need parental permission to participate in the blood drive. Students that are 16 years old must bring a signed authorization form from their parents. Students can pick up a consent from the Dance Marathon table today during lunch periods. Students over 16 years old can walk in today and donate as long as they have a school ID with them.

“It’s not too late to join Dance Marathon and people can sign up in the commons at Ms. A’s desk,” Carmona said.