NEWARK, Del. – Blood Bank of Delmarva (BBD), in partnership with Newark High School, held a blood drive in memory of student Kaleb Blumberg, which brought together students, educators, and community leaders on Friday, April 17, resulting in 34 units of lifesaving blood donations.
The drive honored Kaleb, who passed away in October 2025 during his junior year. Known for his dedication to organizing school blood drives, Kaleb’s legacy inspired classmates and loved ones to continue his mission of helping others through blood donation.
State Senator Nicole Poore attended the event, addressing students before rolling up her sleeve to donate.
“It was an honor to be at the Spring Blood Drive at Newark High School in Delaware,” Senator Poore said. “This year’s event held special meaning as we came together to honor Kaleb, a student whose passion for service and dedication to saving lives continues to inspire us all.
“Each blood donation has the power to save up to three lives. Today, we not only supported that lifesaving mission, but also honored Kaleb’s legacy and the impact one person can make,” she added. “I am grateful to his family for being there, and to everyone who showed up to give, support, and make a difference. Every donation matters. Every life matters.”
The effort was led by student coordinators, seniors Angelina Mullen and Marelin Rivera and sophomore Akera Haley. “Those three girls set this whole thing up, Marelin, Angelina, and Akera,” said Jim Schulte, a Newark High educator. “The kids in Kaleb’s class said to me, what can we do? I said, ‘Let’s have a blood drive for Kaleb.’”
The event drew coverage from 6ABC and NBC10, highlighting the community’s strong turnout and support. To help carry on lifesaving legacies like Kaleb’s, visit DelmarvaBlood.org or call (888) 8-BLOOD-8 to host an in-honor or in-memory blood drive.
