ST. JAMES — For loyal blood donor Dale Busch, of St. James, it all started during college.
His biology teacher offered extra credit for making a blood donation. Busch and three of his buddies all agreed to donate — and even turned it into a friendly competition to see who could finish first. Now he gives about three times a year and encourages others to give.
“We hear all the time about the increasing need for blood,” he said. “There’s a big need for it and if you can stand one prick in your arm, it’s easy. You walk out feeling like you’ve really helped your community and the communities around you.”
The American Red Cross has a promotion going from Monday until Nov. 16, with blood donors receiving $20 in e-gift cards to their choice of merchant. Plus there’s an automatic entry to win one of three $5,000 prizes. Visit redcrossblood.org/harvest to schedule an appointment.
Sue Thesenga, American Red Cross regional communications manager for the Minnesota and Dakotas region, said the organization has been including give-aways with donations for a while.
Sometimes people need a little extra motivation to give, she said.
“We’ve found people really do respond when there’s a little thank-you attached to it,” she said. “It’s our way of saying thank you to donors for taking an hour out of their day to make a life-saving difference for people who need blood.”
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood, Thesenga said. “When you think about it, that’s crazy,” she said. “The only way we get blood is through the generosity of blood donors.”
Busch said one of his favorite parts of donating is receiving word about where his blood donation goes. Last time, he said, it was to Nebraska. “It’s nice to know where your blood goes instead of wondering,” he said.
He likes to donate at First Presbyterian Church in St. James when they host blood drives, but also gives on Thanksgiving at the National Guard Armory there between 7:30-11:30 a.m.
“It’s the thing to do,” he said. “I’ve made it a habit — it’s just part of my routine.”
To date, Busch has donated 188 units of blood, with no plans to slow down. And while he always looks forward to seeing familiar faces when he gives, he hopes his story also will inspire a few new ones to join in and give back.
“If it gets some younger people to come out and donate, that would be wonderful,” he said. “Some of us won’t be around forever. It’s important to keep the tradition going.”
The St. James Thanksgiving blood drive is now in its 21st year. Donors are encouraged to bring a friend along to share the experience, Thesenga said.
All St. James Thanksgiving donors will receive a pumpkin pie courtesy of SuperFair Foods, while supplies last. And anyone who donates between Nov. 17-Dec. 7 will receive an exclusive pair of Red Cross Pac-Man socks and a custom Gashapon collectible, also while supplies last.