Hunter Trade College has been giving blood as part of the Red 25 program since 2015, but this is the first year the group has challenged their counterparts at Tocal College to see which institution can be the top donor.

On Friday, Hunter Trade College chief executive Mallory Gleeson joined the students and gave blood for the very first time.

She said it was important to roll up her sleeves and show support for the scheme.

"It's my first donation and I said to the kids if you do I will, so here I am," Ms Gleeson said.

"We encourage the kids to be community minded and this is a great way to help others.

"A bit of competition is good, we hope to beat Tocal College and save the most lives this year, and continue this blood challenge in the future."

The National Health Services Challenge is part of the Red 25 program, where groups and organisations around Australia unite to save lives through blood donation.

Any local business, individual or group can donate as part of Red 25.

Australian Red Cross Blood Service spokesperson Brian Bruce said the St Andrews Street based blood bank was always on the lookout for new donors, and praised Hunter Trade College and Tocal college.

"It's a great initiative from both colleges, with Friday's donations alone set to save 39 lives," Mr Brucesaid.

"It is fantastic to see the local colleges take up this challenge and join the Red 25 program and see how many lives they can save.

"Currently they are closing in on collectively saving 200 lives in the community over the last three months."

Donations are tracked online, allowing groups to track how many lives they have saved.

To make an appointment or learn more about joining the Red 25 program, call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au. Maitland Donor Centre is located at 39 St Andrews Street, Maitland.