Since Sept. 11's tragic events, the Penn State community has played a key role in the donation of blood and blood products in Centre County.

The local chapter of the American Red Cross, 121 1/2 E. Beaver Ave., has been busy working to accommodate the number of students who want to help.

Wendi Keeler, field representative and blood-drive coordinator for the Red Cross, said the chapter has a supply of blood unlike any the group has seen before.

"Right now, we have a three-day supply of all blood types, and we've never been over a two-day supply. It's just amazing," she said.

Keeler said she was impressed with the number of new donors and hopes they will become regular donors in the future. She would like to see donor numbers remain high, she added.

"In the past five drives on campus, we have collected 875 units of blood just from the Penn State population, which is wonderful. But this week, some people have not been showing up for their appointments," she said.

Keeler said two-thirds of those who had appointments last Monday did not report at their scheduled times.

"It could possibly be the result of the media saying 'there is too much blood, give next time,' or people might have forgot that they made the appointment last week, but we still need blood," she said.

Keeler said she hopes student will come to the Oct. 5, 10, 12, and 13 blood drives on campus, at locations to be announced.

The surplus of students who wanted to donate after the attacks was so great the Red Cross had to use a rapid donor response team. The response team's duties include scheduling appointments and contacting people for future donations, Keeler said.

She said students who have already given blood and still want to help could go to the Red Cross chapter downtown or call 814-237-2713 to volunteer.

Another option for students who want to help could be to donate plasma at Sera-Tec Biologicals Limited, 321 W. Beaver Ave.

Bonnie Zimmerman, manager at Sera-Tec, said she has been pleased with the rise in new donors since Sept. 11.

"We're seeing about 15 new donors per day, so it is very encouraging," she said.

Plasma, the water-like part of the blood, has a variety of uses, including treating burn patients and is essential to the recovery of those who suffered severe burns during the attacks, Zimmerman said.

There is a screening process that donors must go through before they can donate, strictly for safety precautions. Those interested in plasma donation should be over 18, have picture identification and be aware of their medical history, among other requirements, she added.

Colleen Annesley (senior-premedicine) said the outpouring of student support for the victims of the attack has restored some respect for the university.

"People have had a negative image of Penn State for the past few years, mainly because of the riots, but now they see how much good the students of this school can do," she said.

Annesley said she thinks students are feeling helpless. Getting involved with blood donation and volunteering are good ways for them to feel useful and show their patriotism, she said.

"After seeing all of the people donating blood at the HUB, I've gained even more pride in this school," she said.