Submitted by Mike Milner, Blood Drive Coordinator

Hull Knights of Columbus Council #4865

A longtime resident of Hull recently reached a remarkable milestone as an American Red Cross blood donor. Donna Wilfert, who moved to Hull 35 years ago through marriage, has consistently donated blood at the Hull Knights of Columbus drives. On Wednesday, January 21, she completed her donation of her 104th pint of blood – equivalent to 13 gallons!

Donna began donating about 30 years ago, after seeing an ad for a blood drive in Hull. Motivated by the idea that she could make a difference, she scheduled her first appointment and has continued helping others ever since.

A single whole-blood donation can be separated into components that benefit patients in various ways. Whole blood, like what is collected at town blood drives, is often used to help save those involved in traumatic accidents. Packed red cells help replace lost blood during surgery, platelets aid those with blood clotting disorders, and other blood components provide specific clotting factors for inherited conditions such as Von Willebrand’s Disease and hemophilia. White blood cells can also be processed and given to individuals struggling with difficult infections. In essence, one blood donation can save multiple lives.

Reflecting on her journey to 13 gallons of blood donations over three decades, Donna said: “It only takes one hour of your time to possibly save many lives. Just give it a try!”

“Donors like Donna enable the Red Cross to supply lifesaving blood throughout Massachusetts and beyond,” said KerrieAnn Jack, regional donor services executive in Massachusetts. “Her 13-gallon milestone is incredible, and I hope her example encourages others to donate more often so we can avoid shortages like the current one.”

The Hull Knights of Columbus hold blood drives every two months at St Mary of the Assumption Parish/St. Ann’s Church on Samoset Avenue, thanks to continued support from parish leaders including Father Scott Evuard and our dedicated K of C members. Volunteers from the local Red Cross, like Craig “Wolfie” Wolfe and Mary Ann Hunter, step up to help. Tara Grasso at Hull High School has helped recruit and involve an average of 6–10 student volunteers each drive over the last two years. These students greet donors, serve refreshments afterward, and assist the Knights in cleaning up. It’s truly a team effort in Hull. Appreciation goes out to everyone who donates and those who help run these events.

The next blood drive in Hull will be March 25 at St. Ann ‘s Church from 2 p.m. to 7 pm. Please consider donating the gift of life!

If you’re interested in donating blood or have questions about eligibility, visit www.redcrossblood.org or call 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).

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