By: William Walsh

For Michael and Meg Kolodzie, donating blood with the Red Cross is something they look forward to doing together.

What began many years ago as a simple act of service has grown into a shared routine. About every eight weeks, whether at home in Texas or traveling, they find a blood drive and make time for it. They schedule their appointment, walk in together, donate, and then head out to enjoy the rest of the evening. Sometimes it is a favorite treat. Sometimes it is just time spent together. Either way, they leave feeling rewarded.

“It’s our version of a date night,” Meg says. “We always walk out feeling good.”

Michael has been donating since the 1970’s. Meg joined him later, and they have been donating as a couple ever since. What keeps them coming back is personal. Meg once needed blood herself, and others they know have also been recipients. They know what it means to be on the other side of the chair.

“We donate for family, for friends, and for people we will never meet,” Michael says. “Anyone who needs it.”

They are quick to point out how easy the process is. Appointments are simple to schedule using the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, which helps them find nearby drives and reminds them when they are eligible to donate again. Even when they are traveling, the app makes it easy to stay on schedule. One of their favorite parts is tracking their donations and watching their history grow.

“It’s fun to see it all there,” Meg says. “It makes you want to keep going!”

For people who hesitate because of time, Michael and Meg understand, but they also want others to know how manageable it really is. The process is quick, the staff is welcoming, and the environment is clean and comfortable. Donating fits easily into a busy day.

As for fear of needles, they offer simple advice.

“Don’t look,” Meg says with a smile. “It’s over before you know it.”

What continues to surprise them is how meaningful the experience feels every time. There is a sense of satisfaction that comes from knowing a small act can make a real difference. They leave feeling fulfilled, not drained.

They also make a point to encourage others. Friends, family members, and people in their social circles often hear about their experiences. Michael and Meg believe that once people understand how easy it is and how good it feels, donating becomes something they want to do again.

In their words, blood donation matters because it saves lives and gives you the chance to help someone on their hardest day.

For Michael and Meg, it has also become something more. It is time together. It is a tradition. And it is a simple way to give back, side by side.

If you have ever thought about donating, now is a great time to start. Find a drive near you, and make an appointment that works for your schedule. Bring a friend, make it a shared experience, and see for yourself how easy it is to help save lives.