They're numbers that many may not believe. Nine out of ten of us will need a blood transfusion in our lifetime.

It's a need teens at one KELOLAND high school are hoping to fill. The O'Gorman High School Knights have been rolling up their sleeves for years for you.

For the last 17 years, students and staff at O'Gorman High School have been saving thousands of lives. And this year more students have been able to give, thanks to law passed in South Dakota.

Sixteen-year-old Tori Christensen is one of the first her age to give blood in this state. That's because this summer a state law allowing 16 year olds to give blood with a parent’s permission went into effect.

"Everybody wants to donate blood. Everybody at school today was talking about how, ‘Oh yeah, I get to give blood today!’ And I just think it’s good that now teenagers my age can actually do that and be involved in helping out our community," Christensen said.

A total of 70 students and staff filled appointments Friday, giving a pint each, which will help at least three people.

“I think that we could probably do two days worth. Kids respond so positively to this experience,” teacher Doug Peterson said.

“It's really not that hard. It's not that painful and it saves lives. I think it's a good opportunity," Senior Therese Mahan said.

O'Gorman holds two blood drives a year, making this one number 37. Teachers say it helps students become a part of the community, while learning a very valuable lesson.

“We kind of do this around learning about blood in my anatomy class and so it’s kind of a double purpose. Not only the learning factor but also contributing something very worthwhile to our Sioux Falls community and the area,” Peterson said.

On top of this lesson, came a milestone.

Seventeen-year-old Matt Barthel became the 2,000th person at O'Gorman to donate blood, meaning students and staff have helped 6,000 people.

“I didn't think it'd be me out of all people, but yeah, it's a surprise,” Barthel said.

The student who gave the 2000th donation wasn't even one-year-old when the drives began back in 1992.