The Sacramento State community held a blood drive sponsored by the Sacramento Medical Foundation Blood Center on Nov. 28 and 29 in the University Union.

Last fall, the SMF Blood Center collected more than 2,000 pints of blood on Nov. 30 while attempting to break the world’s record and although they fell short, the managed to break the Sacramento County record.

This year, the SMF Blood Center is attempting to break the Guinness World Record by holding a 24- hour blood drive at Sac State on March 9.

Jenise Jennings, account manager for the SMF Blood Center, said that the blood drive will run from 6 am. to 6 a.m. the following day.

Last year’s record attempt was hampered by the fact that SMF didn’t have the necessary clearance to work overnight in the University Union, according to Jennings

But this year everything is in place for the staff to work overnight and attempt to break the world’s record of 3,539 pints of blood.

Many students, faculty and staff have contributed their time and blood to help make this year’s drive a success.

Jeanie Krieger, an employee at Sac State said she tries to give blood regularly.

“It’s great how they have it on campus, it’s so convenient that one doesn’t have to go far to help out those in need,” Krieger said.

Helping her along her side was registered nurse, Kristen Graves, from the Sacramento Medical Foundation.

“We do blood drives every day for various organizations, churches and businesses-we’re everywhere! We do about five to six drives a day sometimes. We will be returning to Sac State soon after this drive-we come here two to three times a year. We’ve had almost 100 people donate blood in the past two days here. Each bag weighs a pint, so it adds up,” Graves said.

Among the registered nurses and volunteers, KSSU also made an appearance.

Monica Fernandez, KSSU’s co-director said that this was the second year that they had entertained at the blood drive.

“We come here to play some music and keep the volunteers comfortable while donating,” Fernandez said.

The Student Health Center helps support much of the blood drive here on campus. The Health Center helped with the promotion of the drive by informing students and other Sac State community members.

Laurie Bissett Grady from the Center has also helped with the organization and also the promotion of attempting to get Sac State in the Guinness Book of World Records this year.