News 12 at 6 o'clock, August 28, 2007

AUGUSTA, Ga. - The 27th annual Time to Care blood give-in was held at First Baptist Church of Augusta today.

294 people donated, and all of the donated blood will be used locally. Each unit of blood saves 3 lives in the CSRA.

Dorothy Rabun says she loves giving the gift of life. "In fact, I enjoy doing it because my husband's diabetic and he can't give blood. So, I feel like I could help him and other people too."

Over the years, Rabun has given more than a gallon of blood. She received a plague from Shepeard Community Blood Center because of her life donations.

"I like helping people and I feel like this is one way I can do something," said Rabun.

According to the "facts about giving blood" handout provided by Shepeard, one pint of blood weighs one pound. That means you lose one pound when you give a pint.

Terri Moyer says she thinks that's great,"Well I could stand to lose a lot more than that. Maybe I need to come back more than once today."

Well, you can't do that. But you can donate blood every 56 days. That's about 18 lives you could save every year.

"It's just a simple way to give a little bit," Moyer said.

If you didn't get a chance to give, it's not too late. Shepeard will have another drive on September 18.