Longtime rivals team up to help those in need

A spirit of teamwork from one of the nation’s oldest rivalries will take shape next week when the Harvard and Yale communities hold a blood drive challenge to see which University can raise the highest number of donations. The friendly contest is scheduled for Feb. 9 and Feb. 10 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and for Feb. 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Adams House (26 Plympton St.). All Harvard students, staff, alumni, neighbors, and friends are welcome to join the cause.

“While it is great to have competitive spirit in Harvard’s athletic rivalry with Yale, this blood drive contest is really about rising above that competitive spirit and joining forces with Yale for the betterment of the community by helping in any way we can,” said Trish Raciti ’06, Harvard coordinator of the drive.

Walk-in donors are welcome, though appointments are recommended. To make an appointment, visit http://www.bloodpartners.org/harvard, or call 1-800-GIVE LIFE. All donors will receive a keepsake item and be entered to win one of three Valentine’s Day date packages. Students who recruit five or more members from a student organization to volunteer or donate blood will be entered into a drawing to win a free iPod.