Donors giving blood on Thanksgiving

My response: "I think the finger prick hurts more than the needle."

So it hurt a bit. But blood donors are a necessity. Just ask donor Robert McCaan.

"My son once upon a time needed blood it really is a great gift of life so that's why I do it," McCaan said.

McCaan's once infant son was saved by a blood transfusion. That's what brings the Schodack resident to the Red Cross ever two months.

"It's extremely important because if any loved on receives blood there is no way to describe how it is it really is the gift of life," McCaan said.

It's not out of the ordinary to see every chair filled during the Red Cross' Thanksgiving Drive. But this year, there were just a handful of donors. Fear of the H1N1 virus might be one reason for the drop. Or the misconception that a recently vaccinated person can't donate.

"Donors can donate as long as they don't have any symptoms of the flu themselves," said Edward Small of the Red Cross.

O-Negative and O-Positive are needed most.

"People need blood there is no other way to get it except from people like me who come," donor Beverly Hackett said.

But the Red Cross is asking that everyone consider donating this holiday season. For more information or to make an appointment call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE. (1-800-448-3543.)