MILWAUKEE — Christmas is over, but the season of giving is greatly needed, especially when it comes to blood donations.
“It takes two minutes, and it helps people out,” donor Paul Hunt said.
According to Hunt, giving is the least he can do — especially because he is Type O, a blood type typically in high demand. To meet that demand, even if it’s only by a small percentage, Hunt makes it a point to donate blood six times each year.
“It’s a small thing to do to help somebody, (and) it doesn’t take long," Hunt said.
Each blood donation can save up to three lives. Jessica Peterson, account manager with the American Red Cross, expects to collect 210 blood donations at this year’s seventh annual Day of Donations Blood Drive. That is enough blood to save more than 600 lives.
“We try to keep the blood as local as possible. However, if somebody is the right match, they’re definitely going to try to take that. So, if somebody’s in Texas, they’ll send blood down to Texas to help that person out,” Peterson said.
Although this is the giving season, Peterson said donations typically decline now because of busy holiday schedules, bad weather or seasonal illnesses, but the feeling that comes after donating might be the best one you experience all year.
“(I feel) relieved, the needles out, but it feels good to know I helped save somebody,” donor Roberta Chaney said.
To donate blood, download the American Red Cross blood donor app, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter code WNWO, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information.
