Carl Gildner is one prolific blood donor for the American Red Cross. For half of century, he has been rolling up his sleeve to help others in need. Last month, he achieved a major milestone with his 200th blood donation.

Gildner has donated the equivalent of 25 gallons of blood, and he has no plans to stop anytime soon. He already has two scheduled appointments. Blood donors can give every eight weeks, up to six times a year.

“It’s the easiest way to (help) save a life,” Gildner said. “It’s one way for me to make a contribution.” He then paused momentarily and added, “I like helping people.”

Donating blood is just one way Gildner is making a contribution. He volunteers as a Red Cross blood donor ambassador at blood drives and coordinates four blood drives a year at his church as a Red Cross blood program leader. He also makes a financial gift to the Red Cross.

“I’m really invested in the Red Cross,” he said.

Gildner made his first blood donation in the early 1970s to start what has become a remarkable demonstration of devotion to the Red Cross mission. He donated faithfully during the pandemic, even serving as a temperature screener at blood drives.

“I look back and think I missed once in the last 20 years,” he said, proudly. “Look at all the good I’m doing. It’s so easy. I give an hour of my time and donate a pint of blood. My prayers don’t even work that fast.”

Currently, blood donors are critically needed to support lifesaving transfusions throughout the summer. Donors of all blood types are in demand, especially those with type O blood and donors giving platelets.More than a quarter of all blood products each year are used in critical care and emergency room situations, highlighting the importance of generous blood and platelet donors. 

That need hit close to home for Gildner and his family about 18 months ago. His niece’s boyfriend underwent eight surgeries and received 25 pints of blood after he was critically injured.

As a blood donor ambassador he routinely talks with fellow donors at the canteen area to ensure they have a positive experience and talk up the need for donations. One of them was a 16-year-old girl who recently made her third blood donation at a blood drive he was working.

“I gave her a challenge,” he recalled. “I said, ‘if you donate every eight weeks for the next 33 ½ years, you’ll catch up to me.’Then he added, “But the bar keeps moving. I’m not going to stop.”

By David Olejarz, regional communications director