'The more I donate, the more people I help': Donors, staff recognized at local blood center

GREENFIELD, Wis. (CBS 58) -- It was a day of celebration at Versiti in Greenfield.

Both staff and donors received recognition for their hard work. Three top donors were given the honor of having an interview room in the blood donation center named after them. CBS 58 met one who has given over 73 gallons of blood, Marg Gaeth.

"The more I donate, the more people I help," she said.

"There are so many people, you hear it every day on the radio or TV, that they need blood, and now, especially since Covid hit, they need it even more because there are not enough people that will give the blood."

The day brought testimony from those who have benefited from the compassion of donors, like heart transplant recipient Bill Simmons, who shared his story with the center.

"I was to a point where things were not looking very good at all," Simmons said. "I owe my life to both donors. Both blood and organ."

Versiti hopes this open house will inspire others to give blood.

"It's so important. It's something irreplaceable, something that people rely on to enhance, extend, and save their lives every day," Versiti Senior Director of Finance Brian Malaney said.

For information on how to donate at Versiti, visit their website.