At Vitalant, we understand that it takes not only time, but also gas, to get to a blood drive or donation center to help save lives. That’s one reason we wanted to offer a giveaway in August where three randomly selected blood donors could win a $10,000 gift card, enough to cover gas expenses for a year.
Thousands of kind-hearted and generous donors stepped up to help patients during the giveaway time frame Aug. 1-31, and they are all winners in our book. But only three could win $10,000 gift cards, and two lucky Colorado donors and a California donor were chosen. The winners could choose from a variety of electronic gift cards to use online or to have an American Express gift card mailed to them.
With 40 lifetime donations, our first winner, Hans R. of Colorado (pictured with his wife, Ann), has donated with Vitalant since 1995. His winning donation occurred at a donation center in his community. A dedicated whole blood donor, Hans has also given Power Red in the past. 
As Hans sat in the donation chair during his August blood donation, he thought to himself, “I wonder if anyone actually wins these drawings.” When he received a call from Vitalant saying he had indeed won, he reacted with shock and gratitude.
“Giving blood is one of those small, practical ways to love your neighbor. You never know when you or someone you love might need it, so I’m grateful to be able to help others in this way. And winning the gift card was just an unexpected blessing on top of that!” Hans said.
Hans started giving blood in college, feeling like it was a simple way to do good. He’s a minister, and there were regular blood drives at his church, but Sundays were full days for him and he couldn’t donate.
“I decided I should make regular appointments at the Vitalant office instead,” he explained. “It’s easy, the staff is always great, and it doesn’t take much time to do something that literally saves lives. You may never meet the people your donation helps, but you can know that you’re giving them and their families hope. That’s what keeps me coming back.”
Our additional $10,000 gift card winners include Angelique R. of California and Patricia T. of Colorado. Angelique’s qualifying whole blood donation took place at a blood drive in her community. We are grateful that Angelique has donated 29 times with Vitalant — mostly whole blood donations but also a few Power Reds.
With 70 lifetime donations including whole blood and Power Reds, Patricia is also a committed donor. We appreciate that she realizes the amazing impact her O-positive blood can have for patients. Her qualifying Power Red donation took place at a local blood drive. Congratulations to all our winners!