Spencer Archer and two of his 8th grade students, Hadar Philosoph and Jocelyn Yan, greeted blood donors upon arrival.
In the heart of San Jose’s Evergreen neighborhood, an inkling of inspiration began with one passionate middle school history teacher and grew into a community act of service.
On Friday, April 18, the Village Square Branch Library hosted its first American Red Cross blood drive thanks to the leadership of Spencer Archer, a 7th and 8th grade history teacher at Quimby Oak Middle School and faculty advisor for the school’s National Junior Honor Society (NJHS).
“I noticed that the Evergreen area didn’t have any local blood drives and wanted to do something about it,” Spencer shared. “I looked up how to host a blood drive and was amazed at how easy the Red Cross made it. From my initial inquiry to event day, the Red Cross team had everything ready to go.”
Through his advisory role with NJHS, Spencer has inspired his students to participate in park cleanups, tree plantings, food distributions and fundraise for disasters. This blood drive served as another wonderful outlet to initiate community connection with the support of his students.
“I’m amazed and proud to see the middle schoolers involved,” Spencer said. “From arranging the canteen area to greeting donors as they arrived, it’s incredible to see how they positively engage with their community.”
Two of Spencer’s 8th grade students, Jocelyn Yan and Hadar Philosoph, chose to volunteer at the blood drive on the very first day of their spring break.
Jocelyn shared, “It’s important for me to stay involved with my community and be surrounded by people who are willing to help each other out. I think everyone who donates blood is so brave. It’s very respectable how they’re willing to help someone they don’t even know.”
For Hadar, the experience was both energizing and meaningful. “From setting up and organizing to meeting new people, it was exciting to be a part of something that brings people together. I really enjoyed connecting with donors and helping out.”
Hadar and Jocelyn helped Councilmember Candelas get checked in for his blood donation appointment.
The drive’s impact reached beyond the school and into the halls of local leadership. Councilmember Domingo Candelas of San Jose’s District 8 visited the blood drive, personally thanking donors and even rolling up his sleeve to donate blood.
Councilmember Candelas was enthusiastic to join community members and donate blood.
“It’s important to make it easy for our community to have access to resources like blood drives,” he said. “And I love that this one was right in my backyard. It was a no-brainer to show up and donate!”
Councilmember Candelas also praised Spencer’s leadership, noting, “This is the proactive side of things where community members take action during opportunities like this to support those in need when people least expect it.”
In total, the blood drive collected 20 units of lifesaving blood, each unit serving as a gift that can help patients in need during surgeries, treatments, transfusions or emergency care.
Spencer’s goal is to keep the momentum going and inspire others to host blood drives in their neighborhoods too. “I’d love to host at least two blood drives a year here in Evergreen,” he said. “It’s one of the most meaningful ways we can support each other and create a culture of service.”
Whether you’re a teacher, student or community leader, you can make a difference too. To learn how to host a blood drive or to make an appointment to donate, visit redcrossblood.org.
Photos from the blood drive can be found here.
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