Four times every year, the Boothbay Region Y plays host to the American Red Cross for a blood drive. The drive brings in between 50 to 60 donors on average, according to volunteer Sheri Jones. The most recent drive was held Aug. 21.

These donors get no monetary reward, gain no tangible benefit, only a thank-you from the staff.

Most people don't find getting stuck with a needle a pleasant experience. So why do they come and donate?

“I've donated a couple times a year ever since I was 18,” said now 55-year-old Mary Hanley, while lying down on a donor table. “I know there is a need, and I'm treated well whenever I come here. They want us to come back.”

“Why not?” said Steve Early, while waiting for the tech to start drawing blood. “I'm healthy, and I might need it someday.”

He added, joking, “We need to get some more Canadian blood in the mix.” Early is a Toronto, Canada native.

“It's an opportunity to do something for someone else,” said Kris Folsom. “I do this as often as I can.”

After signing in, donors speak about their health history in a private, confidential room to make sure they are eligible to give blood. Donors have their temperature, blood pressure and pulse checked. Donors give about a pint of blood, and can donate every 56 days. According to a Red Cross worker, one donation of blood can help up to three people.

Some donors don't do the traditional pint of blood, instead they donate platelets, red blood cells or plasma. This process takes longer and is called “apheresis.” In this process, blood is drawn from the donor and whatever is being collected is removed and the remaining components are returned to the donor.

One donor who went through this process on Aug. 21 was Hobie Ellis, who lives in Boothbay Harbor during the summer and Wayne in the winter. His blood type is A-, which is rare, so he donated red blood cells only so it can go farther and help more people.

“I like to donate three or four times a year,” Ellis said.

“He's very generous,” said a Red Cross worker keeping an eye on him.

Volunteers man the sign-in and snack table, where donors go after giving blood. Many of these volunteers are members of the Boothbay Region Lions Club, according to YMCA Executive Director Andy Hamblett.

“I like to be a part of something that brings people happiness,” volunteer Bob Gentry said, who was manning the snack table.

The YMCA donates the space to the Red Cross for the blood drives, and also partners with them for life guarding and babysitting classes.

“It's a good partnership,” Hamblett said. “It's all part of the Y's message of healthy living and bringing the community together.”

Those interested in donating blood or volunteering with the Red Cross can call 1-800-733-2767.