Buccino Leadership Institute and Student Nursing Association Host American Red Cross Blood Drive

The Buccino Leadership Institute (BLI) and the Student Nursing Association (SNA) at Seton Hall University are joining forces this fall to host an American Red Cross Community Blood Drive,  open to students, faculty, staff and community members alike. The drive will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, in the Event Room of the University Center on Seton Hall's South Orange campus.

The event reflects Seton Hall's enduring commitment to servant leadership and community impact. Corporate sponsor Lord Abbett returns as a key partner, deepening a relationship with the University that extends well beyond a single event, spanning the Lord Abbett Summer Investing High School Course, the Financial Literacy Academy, collaboration with the Stillman School's Market Research Center and shared community impact initiatives like this blood drive.

Addressing the blood drive, President of the Student Nursing Association and Buccino Leadership Scholar Samantha Gizzi said,

Nurses are called to serve, and that calling doesn't begin the day we earn our credentials,  it begins right here, right now, on campus. Hosting this blood drive is one of the most direct ways our members can live out that mission while still in school. As a Buccino Scholar, I am especially proud that leadership and service are coming together in an event that could save dozens of lives in our community. I encourage every Pirate to show up, roll up a sleeve and make a difference.

Lord Abbett's support demonstrates a model of corporate partnership that invests in both the immediate community and in the next generation of leaders. The firm's collaboration with Seton Hall through the Summer Investing 101 High School Course and the Financial Literacy Academy has equipped young people across the region with essential economic skills, while its engagement with the Market Research Center gives students hands-on, real-world research experience. The Red Cross Blood Drive represents yet another dimension of that partnership, one rooted in shared values of service, health and civic responsibility.

Global Head of Social Impact Catherine Tantillo of Lord Abbett said,

Our partnership with Seton Hall University is grounded in a belief that business can be a force for good, in the classroom and in the community. From the Summer Investing Course and Financial Literacy Academy to our work with the Market Research Center, we are committed to developing the next generation of thoughtful, capable leaders. Supporting the Red Cross through this student-led blood drive reflects that same commitment to community impact. Every pint collected can save up to three lives, and we are proud to stand alongside Seton Hall students as they learn, lead and serve.

The drive arrives at a critical moment. The American Red Cross continues to report a nationwide urgent need for blood donations to meet hospital demand in 2026. Every contribution, regardless of blood type, helps ensure that patients fighting cancer, trauma victims and those managing chronic conditions have access to the care they need.

Volunteer Opportunities
We need your help before and during the event! Volunteers are welcome in two ways:

• Marketing and Communications (pre-event): Help design and distribute promotional materials, manage social media outreach and drive campus awareness in the weeks leading up to October 14.
• Day-of Support (October 14): Assist with check-in, donor guidance, logistics, refreshments and overall event flow from 9:30 a.m. onward.

To sign up as a volunteer, contact [email protected] and add the subject line: Volunteer for Blood Drive.

Donor Eligibility and What to Expect
To donate blood you must: be in good health, weigh at least 110 lbs, be 16 years of age or older, have a good iron level and not have donated whole blood in the past 56 days. Bring a valid ID and be prepared to complete an 80-question medical history form. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred.

A standard whole-blood donation takes approximately 10 minutes; a Power Red donation (two units of red cells) takes about 30 minutes. After donating, you'll be invited to relax and enjoy free refreshments. Donors will also receive Seton Hall swag, a gift card and an entry into a nationwide Red Cross drawing.

A single pint of blood can save up to three lives.

Event Details
Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Red Cross team arrives for setup beforehand)
Location: Seton Hall University – University Center, Event Room, 400 South Orange Ave, South Orange, NJ 07079
Open to: Seton Hall students, faculty, staff and community members
Hosts: Buccino Leadership Institute and Student Nursing Association
Corporate Sponsor: Lord Abbett

For those unable to donate on October 14, Seton Hall's University Blood Initiative also hosts blood drives throughout the fall semester. Follow @BuccinoLeaders and @SHU_SNA on social media for updates and to register.

For more information about the blood drive, contact Mary Kate Naatus at [email protected].

To learn more about eligibility and the donation process, click here.

Categories: Community Engagement, Faith and Service