The perfect gift for the holiday season

If you're still looking for the perfect Christmas gift to give this season, I have a pretty good suggestion for you.

It's guaranteed to be something that's needed. It's certain to be put to good use by the recipient. And best of all — it won't even cost you a thing.

I'm speaking of giving blood.

It's never not a good time to donate blood, but during this Christmas season, when we're so often caught up in the material aspects of the holiday — from the shopping, to the decorating, to the gathering — it's important to remember there are things more important than the hustle and bustle.

There are many people who go without during the holidays. Not only are some people going without gifts or feasts, some are struggling just to live. And that's why heading over to the local Lifeblood Center, rolling up your sleeve and donating a pint of blood can be the ultimate Christmas gift.

I gave blood for just the third time in my life just a couple of weeks ago. It was a rewarding experience. Honestly, I'm ashamed I haven't done it more.

Back in my college days, whenever there was a blood drive, I used to make all kinds of excuses to not take part. I'd make up an illness, or I'd just be "too busy." The truth is, I was just a coward. I had talked myself into an irrational fear of needles, and I was too childish to get over it.

That said, by the time I finally got around to becoming a blood donor — sometime in my mid-20s — it wasn't a pleasant experience. Things started off just fine. Though I agonized over the needle, that part actually went well. It was just a few minutes later — when the room started to spin — that I got worried. Thankfully, the nice ladies on hand reclined my chair and gave me some orange juice, and things returned to normal.

All the same, it was some years later before I worked up the nerve to try it again. This time it was during a Chamber of Commerce blood drive just a few years ago. It went just fine. Minimal pain ... no room spinning ... a free soda ... who could ask for more? Why I didn't become a regular donor at that point is a good question. "Lazy" is most likely the answer.

But a few weeks ago, I found myself with little to do on a Saturday morning, so I figured it was finally time to do what I'd been saying I should do for ages, and donate a pint of blood. Sitting in the local Lifeblood Center, I was in awe of the posters on the wall showing local people who have donated regularly over the years. Like Bernard Beecy, who has donated 18 gallons. Or Iris Crawford, who has donated 15 gallons. Giving blood at every opportunity, it takes over a year to just reach the 1-gallon milestone. Seeing what these people have done made my little pint seem pitiful.

But at least it was something. And though it was but a small first step, it felt really good to do it. And the room didn't even spin at all.

The great thing about donating blood is that almost anyone can do it. You don't have to be rich. You don't have to have a ton of time on your hands. All it takes is an hour or so at the local center. The Blytheville Lifeblood Center, located in the Plaza Shopping Center, is open from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on Thursdays, and from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. If I can do it, anyone can.

Giving the gift of blood, you won't ever know who received your gift. You won't see a smile of joy as somebody unwraps it. But you will help save a life. And I can't think of a better gift to give than that.