December has rolled around once again, the month when Ira Riklis traditionally takes part in the annual blood drive sponsored by his synagogue. He’s been doing so for nearly fifteen years now, and he strongly encourages others to do the same. Of course, any season, any month is a good time to give blood: donors are always needed to help save the lives of patients with injuries, surgeries and illnesses ranging from cancer, to anemia to leukemia.
Every day 43,000 pints of blood—that’s one pint every two seconds—are needed in the U.S. Individuals are allowed to donate blood once every eight weeks, yet few of us ever get around to doing so, except during times of emergency. That’s one reason Ira Riklis makes two or three additional donations throughout the year, not just in December. If you aren’t doing so, now’s a good time to start. Unlike giving gifts to loved ones, where you can share in their excitement, blood donors remain largely unknown to those who receive their precious gift. But in this holiday season, knowing you’ve helped save the life of another is reward enough.