Saving lives while earning free rewards is what this month’s Fresno State Blood Drive is offering.

From Sept. 17-19, the Central California Blood Center is collaborating with Fresno State in an effort to collect blood donations for those in need.

Multiple stations are located around campus. This includes the Resnick Student Union in Room 107, the Memorial Gardens and the Free Speech area.

Those who donate will be rewarded with a plethora of snacks and drinks to replenish their fluids and blood sugar.

Another benefit of donating is knowing that students can help someone in need.

“One blood donation can actually save up to three lives,” said Kayla Ferreira, the special projects coordinator at Fresno State. “The blood that is collected here and through the Central California Blood Center is given right back to the valley.”

The Central California Blood Center gives its collected blood to the Central Valley. This includes hospitals in Fresno, Madera, Kings Canyon and Mariposa.

The process of donating blood only takes about an hour. It is recommended to eat a lot and stay hydrated beforehand, especially if individuals are iron deficient.

“You just gotta eat a lot before you donate your blood,” said Steven Abapo, a freshman pre-health major. “They take a lot.”

For those who are afraid of the donation process, there is an option to take a friend with them while donating blood. This is for those who are squeamish and do not want to be alone when donating. Telling the staff about their worries is also another option.

“They [staff members] are super helpful, very welcoming,” Ferreira said. “They will also talk you through the process.”

Donating blood on Sept. 18-19 will automatically enter donees in a giveaway raffle for some brand new Apple AirPod Pros.

If students aren’t able to make it this time around, another blood drive will happen on campus from Nov. 19-21. Students can also go to various Central California Blood Center donation spots.