You’ve got it and according to the Red Cross, 1 in 3 people will need some of it during their lifetime.
Various organizations exist to take your blood, and some will even pay you for it (though it’s not really a donation at that point, but it still helps save lives). You will probably never hear about how your blood gets used or meet someone it helped save, but think of it as a nice karmic bonus.
Recently, United Blood Services started a rewards program for their donors. It has two sides, the first being a simple point store, something familiar to anyone who has ever had a credit card with a rewards program, and the “Hero in Me” program which is based on how often you donate. Donate once a year for Bronze, twice for Silver, and thrice for Gold. Various benefits for the different tiers, but overall just a way to make you feel spiffier about donating.
Also, there is usually something going on at the event, from a free shirt to a chance to win a car or other big ticket item, and there is ALWAYS drinks and snacks available — they would prefer you NOT faint due to blood loss, so they provide sugary things for your consumption, usually donated by local vendors.
Anywho, I’m off to go donate me some blood!
We leave you today with a list of blood donation agencies in the US, and links to donation searches for two specific agencies: