Any student who has dreamed about becoming a superhero has the chance this week.

The 2002 Fall Blood Drive, “ISU To The Rescue,” kicked off yesterday, and blood drive co-director Tyson Stichka believes the theme “really represents what we’re trying to do with this blood drive. Every pint donated can rescue up to three lives.”

Stichka, senior in electrical engineering, estimated that 1,600 people donated last fall.

“Numbers were down a bit because many people had donated immediately after Sept. 11 and were ineligible to donate,” he said.

The blood drive committee is expecting a larger turnout this year compared to previous years.

The goal for this year is “2002 donors in 2002. We think last year’s events opened people’s eyes to the need for blood donation in this country on a year-round basis,” Stichka said.

After last year’s attacks, the Red Cross received so many donations they could not all be put to use. Stichka doesn’t believe any of the blood donated locally went to waste and said it will certainly be needed this year.

“Due to the limited shelf life of donated blood, there is always a great need for people to give blood on a continual basis. Every pint that is donated will be used where it is needed most,” he said.

Donations go to people in need within the region. Every pint donated will be shipped to blood centers in Ames, Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Ottumwa, Waterloo and Omaha, Neb.

“Students have put forth extra effort to recruit donors,” said Beth Brantley, the Fall 2002 Blood Drive adviser. “It’s great to work with students so dedicated to helping others.”

The recruiters will be continuing their efforts throughout the week.

Volunteers severed hot chocolate at the bus shelter in the commuter lot on Monday morning and will be there again Tuesday. On Wednesday and Thursday, cocoa will be available at the Hub.

Donations are being taken in the Great Hall at the Memorial Union from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Thursday.

Friday’s hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The procedure can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the staff gets.

Stichka recommends coming early in the week and early in the day to beat the rush. Donors receive cookies as a gift.

The only change in procedure, he said, are the incentives. Several prizes, such as gift certificates, will awarded through a drawing. Stichka also said the atmosphere has been aided by a large, hanging model of a beating heart.

Awards will be given to residence hall houses, greek chapters and campus organizations with high participation. Local businesses have also been generous with donations and pledges.

“As we approach the season of giving I hope ISU students will take time to give the gift of life,” Brantley said.