This year’s annual ISU fall blood drive may fall short of last year’s numbers, but organizers are still pleased with the turnout.

The blood drive began Monday in the Great Hall of the Memorial Union and has collected nearly 700 pints of blood from donors. Friday is the last day to donate.

The goal for this semester’s drive was 1,900 pints.

“It’s been slower this year,” said Michael Kline, blood drive co-director and junior in elementary education. “I think it’s because of the weather and a lot of people are sick. It’s also being held later than usual.”

Sonja Stutzman, on-campus recruitment co-chairwoman, said she agreed.

“Because of the weather, I don’t think students want to have to make an extra stop,” said Stutzman, junior in child, adult and family services.

With time still remaining before the 2 p.m. deadline Friday, Stutzman said she hopes to have a total of 1,300 to 1,500 donors.

Stutzman has helped promote the blood drive, by sending letters and e-mails to all ISU professors asking for their participation by giving extra credit to students if they donate or volunteer.

There are 11 professors giving extra credit to students for donating blood or volunteering this semester. Angela Mak, assistant professor in journalism and mass communication, is one of them.

“It helps,” said Mak. “Students like the idea of donating or volunteering for extra credit and improving their grade.”

Stutzman said she hopes more professors will participate in the future.

“It’s a good motivation for students,” she said.

“Even just one or two extra points helps and doesn’t greatly affect their grade.”

But even without the incentive of extra credit, she said, students should donate or volunteer because they are saving lives.

“Everyone has known someone who has needed blood because of some reason or another,” Stutzman said. “For me, it’s my dad.”

One pint of blood is taken from each donor, which has the potential to save three lives, volunteers said.

“This is a good way to help people out,” Kline said. “College students usually don’t have a lot of money to give to charities and other things. Blood is something they do have.”

To donate blood, you must be 16 years old, weigh 110 pounds, must not have donated blood within the last eight weeks, cannot be on any antibiotics, be in good health and have photo identification, according to the American Red Cross.

Kline said anyone who has gotten a tattoo or piercing in Iowa or Wisconsin doesn’t have to wait to donate, either.

“All of the shops in Iowa and Wisconsin have to be licensed,” said Kline. “You could come in and donate on the same day if you wanted.”

Although only a few centers allowed this in the past, all centers have now adopted the policy.

“Though a little slower this year, I think the blood drive has gone well,” Stutzman said.

“The centers were very cooperative and we had a lot of fun.”