Sixteen-year-olds made history Wednesday by showing up to give the gift of life.

Crossroads Mall hosted the 2009 Beckley Donorama, the first in the state under a new law that allows 16-year-olds to donate with parental consent.

The eight-hour special blood drive featured a wide variety of gifts and entertainment. Each individual donor received a T-shirt and lunch, and in addition, Ramey Automotive donated a 2008 Chevy Aveo to be given away to one of the donors.

Bob Lutjen, director of communications for the American Red Cross, Appalachian Region Blood Services, said, “Summer is always a difficult time to collect blood. For one thing, high schools and colleges are out of session, which make up about 15 percent of our collections. People are taking vacations, enjoying summer travel and recreational activities. Folks do not always think about this as one of the things they need to do, but we try to remind them.”

Surprisingly, the date did not seem to have an effect on the turnout. There was not an empty seat in the room for donors at noon when Gov. Joe Manchin made remarks. The governor spoke with excitement about the new law, calling it a “responsible piece of legislation,” adding he was “very happy to have it.”

Manchin also commented on the interesting story of the first 16-year-old to donate blood in West Virginia. Jesse Hall, a junior at Liberty High School, was accompanied by his mother, Michelle Hall, and his grandmother, Freda Hatfield, both first-time donors. Hall plans on attending vo-tech school in the fall and hopes to eventually pursue a career in phlebotomy.

“I thought this would be a good experience for me,” the new donor explained.

All three said they plan to donate again. Hatfield added, “We should have been doing it a long time ago.”

Likewise, Jerad Wolfe, 16, of Oak Hill High School, plans to donate again.

“I think it is important to give blood because you could end up saving someone’s life. I would love to have that kind of effect on somebody. I made this decision on my own, but my dad always gives blood and I will definitely give again.”

On the new legislation, Manchin commented, “There’s more responsible youth that really want to be involved, that want to be able to help. There is no better gift that they can give than blood. It is a tremendous opportunity for all West Virginians. I am not sure if other states are doing it or how many states are doing it. I am just so proud that we are doing it.”

That statement seemed about right to 16-year-old Bill Edmonds of Woodrow Wilson High School. He said, “I am just interested in giving. I want to help people in need.”

While Wednesday’s blood drive was a success, the need for donors continues to grow.

“The need is there 365 days a year. People are transfused on July 4, Labor Day and Christmas,” Lutjen said. “There is a constant need, but in the summertime especially, any donor is someone who is needed and every donation is special. We just want to remind people to please enjoy your summer, but take just a little bit of time out to help because the patients in our hospitals are friends, family members and neighbors. It only takes 60 minutes to save a life.”

— E-mail: cclark@register-herald.com