By Alan Sorensen
The same people seem to giving and giving and giving, at least when it comes to the "gift of life" in Havre.
Statistics released late last week by the American Red Cross office in Great Falls showed that people who have donated more than eight gallons of blood over the years were among the largest group of donors here in March.
The American Red Cross, which will hold a blood drive in Havre May 1, released the statistics it compiled from its drawing at Van Orsdel United Methodist Church on March 6.
Of the 115 testable units drawn that Monday, 78 came from men and 37 from women. While one of the donors was under 20 and two were over 70, most were in their 40s. Seven donors were in their 20s, 15 were in their 30s, 46 were in their 40s, 34 were in their 50s and 10 were in their 60s.
The statistics showed that the largest group of March donors were those who had donated fewer than eight times. Each donation unit is equivalent to a pint of blood.
The second largest group of donors, coming with a total of 21, were those who had given more than 64 units, or eight gallons. Other groups in double digits were those donating between eight and 15 units, 14; those from 16 to 23 units, 14; and those between 24 and 31 units, 13.
Nine of the donors had given between 32 and 39 units over the years, while six had given between 40 and 47, and eight had given between 48 and 55.
Five of the donors were first-time donors, while two had given between 56 and 63 units in the past.
Anyone who would like to donate blood at the May 1 blood drive is invited to make an appointment by calling Karen Golden, Havre drive chairwoman, at 265-6963 or the Great Falls office at 1-800-448-3543.
The May 1 drawing will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Van Orsdel United Methodist Church.
