Medical officials hope the rivalry between the University of Iowa and Iowa State will get students in the giving mood this holiday season.

The Mary Greeley Medical Center Blood Bank and the Iowa DeGowin Blood Center are hoping to capitalize on this competitive spirit for a one-of-a-kind, first-year drive.

“We basically want to see what kind of response we will get,” said John Elliott, supervisor for the Mary Greeley Medical Center Blood Bank. “It is the first non-student-supported drive that we will hold in the Memorial Union.”

Elliott said he would like to have 40 to 75 units donated at the blood drive, which will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today in the Memorial Union’s Oak Room. In addition to the usual milk and juice, he said McDonald’s coupons will be handed out to donors.

He said participants need to be in good health and bring along a photo ID.

Mitch Overton, donor recruitment coordinator for the DeGowin Center, said the holiday season is a hard time to convince students to donate blood with final exams looming on the horizon.

“I know it’s kind of a tough time of year for students with classes, but hopefully they can find an hour out of their day to come and donate,” he said. “Donations tend to drop across the board everywhere in the country. At the same time, unfortunately, usage tends to go up.”

Time restraints and holiday commitments tend to hinder donating, Elliott said.

“We can’t let our supplies run down,” he said. “This time of the year is hard to attract people because people just don’t have time. Blood donating doesn’t rank high on their lists of things to do.”

Elliott said the joint effort will convince reluctant students to donate. He reminds donors that blood donations are always needed and stay in the community.

“Hopefully, we will get new people who have not donated before,” he said.

For students who never have donated but want to, the needle should not be scary. He said if you need proof, stick out your arm and pinch your arm where the big vein is — this is what the needle feels like.

“I hope it will go well,” Elliott said. “I am crossing my fingers.”