For the past four decades and on more than 170 different occasions, Austin’s Robert Rice has donated blood to the Mower County Chapter of the American Red Cross.

He has given 22 gallons so far and is working on his 23rd.

March is Red Cross Month, which is a reminder that blood is always in need and that those who are able to donate should do so.

Elaine Hansen, executive director of the Mower County Chapter, said that each unit of donated blood has the potential of saving three lives.

“It’s pretty amazing to me the way people do it,” she said. “They see it as simply the right thing to do.”

Giving one unit of blood is honorable, and while it’s not unheard of for someone to give more than 20 gallons in their lifetime, it’s still a remarkable feat.

“That’s substantial,” said Jill Applegate, spokesperson for the American Red Cross. “That’s real community involvement, and that’s the message we’re trying to send during Red Cross Month.”

We support that message and hope that other Mower County residents will do the same.