Students short on cash can still give back by donating blood during Campus Activities Council’s Homecoming Week.

Homecoming kicked off Monday with a blood drive from 1 to 4 p.m. in Cate Center.

“Students might not want to or might not be able to give money,” homecoming philanthropy co-chairman Tanner Tiedeman said. “This is an easy way to still give something back in a low-risk way.”

Students can also donate from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday in Cate Center or on the Oklahoma Memorial Union’s east lawn. The lawn was supposed to have a mobile blood donation unit Monday, but the vehicle broke down on its way to campus, homecoming chairwoman Madelyn Randolph said.

Last year, the blood drives had a good turnout that CAC would like to repeat this year, Randolph said. The loss of the station Monday afternoon may affect upperclassmen participation, though, she said.

Donors receive a T-shirt and iPhone 3G/3GS or 4 case while supplies last. They also will be entered into a raffle to win tickets to the Bedlam football game.

Before donating, students should drink plenty of water and eat a good meal, Tiedeman said.

The blood drive is coordinated with the Oklahoma Blood Institute, which estimates that every two seconds, someone in the nation needs blood. About one in three people will receive a blood donation at some point in their lifetime because of trauma accidents, cancers, surgeries and other circumstances.

Students can reserve a time slot by emailing ttiedeman@ou.edu or walking up, Tiedeman said.

On Wednesday afternoon, the homecoming committee will host another philanthropy event for students to donate money to the Children’s Miracle Network.

AT A GLANCE:

Today's homecoming events

Free food will be served at noon on the South Oval.

A blood drive will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. at Cate Center and on the Oklahoma Memorial Union’s east lawn.

Spirit banners will be displayed at 2 p.m. at the Oklahoma Memorial Union parking garage.

Paint the Mall Crimson will take place from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on the Walker-Adams Mall. Students will use Holi Powder to paint themselves and the Walker-Adams Mall crimson.