Red, white and blue are normally an American Legion Post’s favorite colors.
But on Friday, Oxford’s Post 108 put special emphasis on “red” by hosting a blood drive for the American Red Cross.
Forty pints of blood were collected in a six-hour period, according to Lake Orion resident Mary Lou Johns, who’s worked for the Red Cross for 27 years.
“We did really well,” she said.
Johns said a total of 47 potential donors registered during the drive.
One of those donors was Oxford resident Marilyn Schils, who said she gives “as often as they will allow me to.”
The 72-year-old is a “universal donor” with Type O+ blood, which is the most common blood type and can be transfused with all other types.
Schils said she’s donated “18-plus gallons” (more than 288 pints) of liquid life since 1950.
“I always feel better after I give blood,” she said. “It rejuvenates you.”
Schils said her mother was a frequent donor and that’s what got her into the habit as a young lady.
“It doesn’t hurt me and if it helps somebody, why not do it?” she said.
The pint of blood Elizabeth Goepfert, of Oxford, donated at Post 108 had special significance for her.
“Today will make one gallon for me,” said the third-grade teacher in the Waterford school district. “I always give blood when I have the chance. I do it about twice a year.”
Goepfert said she learned about the blood drive from a sign hanging in the window of Victoria’s Delights.
Giving blood is so easy, donors can even do it as a spur-of-the-moment thing.
“I was just driving by, saw the sign, and stopped in,” said donor Pam Shuler, of Oxford. “If I ever need it, I want there to be blood.”
Lake Orion resident Jack Richards, who served in the U.S. Army in the 1980s, donated a pint on his way to work.
Increasing the nation’s blood supply to help his fellow citizens at home and servicemen overseas was Richard’s motivation for the stop.
Oakland Township resident Frances Capton said she donates blood because “it’s needed and I’ve got blood good enough to give.”
For more information about donating blood log on to www.givelife.org or call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.