10/3/06—Hey, Alex here! In a few days, Eugene’s organization, Hand Up, is holding a blood drive at Whit’s End. Eugene has been talking about free food and discounts at local businesses for those who give blood. I’m glad he’s promoting the blood drive. The last one was as popular as an umbrella sale in the Sahara! I’m not crazy about needles, but Computer World has donated coupons, so I might actually be able to afford the game I’ve been wanting!

10/5/06—I tried to sign up for the blood drive, but you have to be 18. So I was surprised to see Rodney Rathbone in line.

“What are you doing here?” I asked. “You’re not 18.”

“Free food. Why else? And the age thing isn’t a problem,” he said, holding up something.

“A fake ID to give blood?!”

I was disgusted that Rodney didn’t care about the people he could be helping, only about what he could get in return. Then I realized I was doing the same thing.

10/7/06—Today was the blood drive. Whit’s End was a madhouse. I watched people leaving with smiles on their faces and packets of coupons. Everyone looked so content, and I wanted to help somehow. When Whit brought me my chocolate shake, he said, “They’re swamped back there. They could really use someone to help organize release forms.” I spent the rest of the day doing errands. I learned a lot, although I’m definitely not cut out to be a doctor. I can’t stand the sight of blood—or really any red liquid. Even the fruit punch they handed out made me queasy. The blood drive was a big success, though, and it felt good to help.

— A.J.