It was scary at the RI Blood Center on Promenade Street last night.  Not because of the needles, or the fact that Valentine’s Day decorations were already up, but because I was the only donor at the time.  I’ve only been there eight times (I’m not keeping track, they are. I got my “first gallon” mug last night, yay). But I’ve never seen it that quiet.  Ever.

Turns out donations plummet in winter (despite the fact that blood’s needed all year round).  Why not summer, when people are on vacation, I asked?  Well, people with colds and flus shouldn’t donate, and people typically have them in the winter.  But come on, people — you can’t be sick all winter long.  Get off your duff and pop in; don’t let a colossal wimp like me brave the little fingerpricky thing alone.  The whole appointment takes 30 to 40 minutes, and most of that is deciding whether you want Fig Newtons or Oreos. Be quick like bunnies and donate this month to get a coupon for a free pound of coffee from Dunkin’ Donuts.   A pound for a pint, eh?

Search here by town, zip code and/or date to find a drive that works for you.

Barnaby Evans has set up a First Giving page for those who wish to help support one of Providence’s most appealing attractions with a modest donation.

“It’s like adding your very own log to the fire!”

May I add my own note that WaterFire brings a lot of out-of-town tourism to the city, and a lot of extra cash revenue. I would consider a donation to WaterFire a well-paying investment in the City.