The poster was taped to the folding table guarding the entranceto the Louis Room in Norris University Center.

Under a picture of a flowing American flag, the slogan stated,”Yes, you can help … give blood.”

But besides the single LifeSource poster, signs of patriotismwere scarce at this week’s blood drive sponsored by Student BloodServices.

Although 131 students donated at Wednesday and Thursday’sdrives, few of them decided to give because of a patrioticduty.

“(Donating blood) is more of a personal choice,” Weinbergfreshman Eric Fingerman said. “It doesn’t have to do with the times– it’s just personally rewarding.”

Weinberg freshman Saira Khan, a Student Blood Servicesvolunteer, said several students did mention the war in Iraq beforedonating.

“People have asked me if the blood is going to Iraq,” Khan said.”It shows that they are concerned about the troops overseas.”

LifeSource does supply blood for the Great Lakes Naval Baseduring both war and peace times, said Tammy Basile, director ofmarketing at LifeSource Blood Services.

“We don’t guarantee where the blood is going, but there is achance that (blood) could be sent to soldiers overseas,” Basilesaid. “We have a strong need in the Chicagoland area, and you can’tspecify where you want your blood to go.”

While the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, influenced peopleto donate more than a year and a half ago, many said they think thewar in Iraq hasn’t inspired the same response.

“After Sept. 11 a lot of people in the United States neededblood,” Weinberg sophomore Laura Blecha said. “Since the war is ina different country, a lot of people don’t feel as close toit.”

Despite the distant conflict, the war has increased the need forblood donations in the United States, Basile said.

LifeSource also cannot depend on donations from military bases,she said.

“We normally draw blood from the Great Lakes Naval Base,” shesaid. “Because of the war, we are unable to draw from militarypersonnel and are down 600 (donors) a month.”

A slight increase in donors has been apparent since the UnitedStates went to war, particularly with walk-ins, LifeSource workerMichael Culis said.

“People see the sign (urging them to donate), and they want togive blood because they know what’s going on,” Culis said.

LifeSource Team Supervisor Jacqueline Richardson acknowledged aslight increase in donations but said numbers are not comparable tothose after Sept. 11.

“We had so many donors that we didn’t have enough staff toaccommodate them,” Richardson said.

Northwestern’s first blood drive after Sept. 11 saw asignificant increase in donors, said Jennifer Avery, Student BloodServices co-president. About 300 people donated in that drive, 115more than the blood drive in Spring Quarter 2002.

Some students said they do think donating blood gives them anopportunity to do something for their country.

“Because we’re all at school, we’re not helping the war effortas much as we want,” Khan said. “By giving blood we’re helping thetroops in the best way possible — by giving life.”

At Student Blood Services’ February blood drive, 195 peopledonated, according to Richardson.

Although this week’s drive received 64 fewer donations, StudentBlood Services generally expects fewer donors after Spring Break,said John Boyd, account manager for LifeSource’s metro team. NU isone of the top donations providers in the Chicago area.

Both Boyd and Khan emphasized the constant need for donations,with or without a war.

“Even if (the blood) is not going to the troops,” Khan said,”it’s still going to someone who needs it.”