"Everyone Bleeds Maroon" Blood Drive to Show Spirit of Giving Nov. 14

As the holidays approach, Texas A&M International University students and the community can demonstrate their spirit of giving by participating in a Texas A&M University System-wide blood drive scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 14, from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. in front of the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library.

The blood drive, dubbed, "Remembering Our Own, Everyone Bleeds Maroon," is an effort spearheaded by The Texas A&M University System and remembers the 12 Texas A&M University students who died in the tragic Aggie Bonfire accident in November 1999.

María García, president of the A&M International Student Government Association, said that part of the blood drive donations will be directed to Ernesto González, an A&M graduate and brother of an A&M International student, to help him in his fight against leukemia.

"The 'Everyone Bleeds Maroon' blood drive was started to pass the Aggie Spirit of each of the Bonfire victims on to others," García said, "Now, you can see that the donations serve to benefit our own student body. We would like to ask that this event not be limited to the Aggie family, but to everyone who is interested in showing kindness and compassion to those in need."

García said that to make the blood donation process easier, potential donors should bring their driver's license and know the name, purpose or category of prescription medication they are currently taking or have taken in the last month. They should also eat a good meal before coming to donate and weigh at least 110 lbs. In addition, donors must be at least 17 and know their social security number.

For more information, please contact María García at 326-2265 or 740-1438 or e-mail mariagg@hotmail .com or stugov@tamiu.edu. University office hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu