Scott Whittington is a Little Elm, Texas, resident and American Red Cross blood platelet donor committed to making a difference in people's lives. With his deep-seated belief in the power of helping others twice a month, Whittington shows up at the Irving Red Cross donation center to donate blood platelets.

His belief in helping others was instilled in him by his mother, who had donated blood herself. Whittington's mother was a regular blood donor, donating for 50 years until her passing. Since her passing, he has donated 14 gallons of blood. Whittington says he is "now on his 42nd platelet donation and 21st plasma" since his first donation in 1990.

What's so special about a platelet donation? Platelets play a crucial role in blood clotting and are essential for cancer and burn patients undergoing treatment. Whittington expresses his yearning to donate blood, as with each visit, he finds solace in knowing that his contributions make a difference in the lives of those in need. For Whittington, donating blood and platelets wasn't just a duty—it was a privilege he continues to cherish. 

When Whittington was asked, "What would you want to say to somebody who may be unsure about donating blood or platelets, and how would you encourage them?" He shared, "Oh, I'd just tell them it's easy. Once you get through it a couple of times, you will ease into it because I have been doing this for over 40 years, and now it's natural. You just do it. It's part of my life and a part of my day." 

Those generous few, like Whittington, donate blood, plasma or platelets to the Red Cross. The Red Cross uses donations with medical providers to provide life-altering medical care to those in need. The Red Cross continues to offer volunteers a tangible way to make a difference in the lives of others.