41NBC blood drive with Red Cross returns as donors highlight why they give

Macon donors share personal and powerful reasons for giving blood ahead of Memorial Day week drive

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Two local donors are sharing why they continue to give blood, hoping their stories will inspire others to do the same.

For Bonnie Hopkins, giving blood is something that started early and simply stuck.

“It all started in high school,” Hopkins said. “I think I was 16 or 17 here in Macon at Central High School, and they had a blood drive and I thought, why not?'”

What began as a spontaneous decision turned into a lifelong habit of giving.

For Vivian Hallmark, the reason she donates is much more personal.

“When my son was born we had some complications, and I was hemorrhaging,” Hallmark said. “I started hemorrhaging and so I had to be rushed back to the hospital and so forth, and was given about 25 units of blood.”

She says those donations saved her life and now motivate her to give back whenever she can.

The 14th annual 41NBC Blood Drive gets underway next week, ahead of a time when donations often decline but the need remains constant.

The American Red Cross says blood has a short shelf life, and with summer travel and holiday weekends, the risk of emergencies can increase.

Both donors say giving blood is simple but can have a lasting impact.

“It’s not that bad,” Hopkins said. “It’s a prick. You’ll live, you’ll survive. It will heal, but what you’re giving could be the difference of life or death for somebody else.”

“It’s a gift of love for people who receive donations because you’re giving,” Hallmark said. “And you know it’s a great feeling when you get that text or email that someone, your blood has been sent to a certain hospital and will be able to be used.”

The drive runs May 25 through May 29 at locations across Middle Georgia. If you’d like to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org and use sponsor code 41NBC or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information.

Monday, May 25: American Red Cross in Warner Robins, 346 Corder Road – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Tuesday, May 26: Hart’s Mortuary in Gray, 307 Pecan Lane – 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.