University of Missouri kicks off annual homecoming blood drive

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Monday was the first day of the annual University of Missouri homecoming blood drive, the largest student-run blood drive in the nation.

The drive will run daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day through Thursday at the MU Rec Center. Organizers hope for 5,000 units of blood to be donated.

"We can help up to three people with your blood donation," Ann Vastmans, spokesperson for the American Red Cross said.

"A trauma patient may need more units of blood. And somebody who gets elective surgeries needs blood. People that are fighting sickle cell, that are fighting cancer. Pregnant women that are going through labor. There are so many different ways that your blood can be used to have a positive impact on someone's life."

This year, the blood drive is partnering with the "Peanuts" franchise in celebration of its 75th anniversary. Those who donate blood will receive a free Snoopy t-shirt as well as other various merchandise.

The Red Cross brings in employees from across the state of Missouri for this drive.