The annual Stratford Blood Drive was held Friday, Feb, 1.

Each donor gave one pint of blood. The process only takes eight to 10 minutes. Afterward, donors received free cookie and juice.

The blood drive was hosted by the Key Club and many of their volunteers.

Mrs. Hollie Wangerin, who is advisor of the Key Club, said this year had a record-breaking turnout. There were 48 donors, and 36 pints of blood were collected. There were 29 first-time donors.

“We’ve tried to put it in a time of the year where spring sports haven’t started games yet so we can get as many volunteers as possible,” she said.

Mrs. Wangerin said her favorite part of the blood drive was saving babies.

“When one person gives blood, they can save up to nine babies lives from that one pint of blood,” she said.

She said she loves seeing the look on the faces of the donors when they are finished.

“They’re facing this big fear, and overcoming that fear to become a hero because when you give blood, you are saving someone’s life,” Mrs. Wangerin said.