Trade Me Your Good Deed

Posted By: Adam 6 Comments

I checked with my doctor, to be sure, and he confirmed it: I can't give blood. It also doesn't help that I was a military dependent living in Portugal for more than 6 months during the 80s. As this discussion gets into, I'm keeping myself on the list so that whatever usable parts there are can benefit someone, somewhere, somewhen. Megan and I have also had some fairly in-depth discussions about our posthumous preferences, so while it may not be clear what the best possible choice is, at least I'll have some influence on it.

Recently I had been thinking I would like to donate blood regularly, since it's easy, can save lives, and I like cookies and juice. There's also usually a shortage of blood supplies during the summer while students are away from school — I guess they donate a lot.

It saddens me that I can't do my part. It makes me sadder still that there are children who need blood of my type that I phsyically can not provide for them. I hope Dylan never needs extra blood, but if for some reason he does one day, I hope that generous and thoughtful people have donated enough that he gets what he needs.

So I'm proposing something a little different. Maybe there is something you can't do because of a medical condition or disability — thinking along the lines of volunteering time or donating goods and services — that you would otherwise be doing to the fullest extent of your capability.

Let's trade.

I'll do your good deed, and you can do mine. I'm hoping that by doing this, you can help me do something that's important to me (increasing supplies at blood banks), and I can help you do something that's important to you, whatever that might be. I'll even trade you pictures — of me doing your good deed, and you giving blood — if you like.

What do you think? Any takers?

6 responses to “Trade Me Your Good Deed”

  1. Yeah, I can't give blood either, but geez! What a great idea you have!

    I'll trade too, if someone can come up with something I can trade. . .

    You rock!

    MomT

    MomT ~ Jun 8, 2009 at 4:31 PM

  2. Megan and I used to walk dogs together at the Wicomico County Humane Society. It's quick and easy to get enlisted as a volunteer, good for you and the dogs, and fun! Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find a Humane Society (or similar) within a reasonable distance from us to make that an option for us.

    Adam

    Adam ~ Jun 8, 2009 at 4:39 PM

  3. I used to be a member of the Blood Bank of Delmarva when I worked at Pepsi. I guess there is some kind of membership fee that I elected not to pay when I left. I'm not opposed to giving blood regularly if it doesn't cost me out of pocket to do so.

    Come to think of it, I've heard of people selling blook, and I guess the supply is always short. I guess I should have asked why there was a fee instead of a payment for the blood.

    I don't know the answer but if it means that much to you that I take a few minutes from my day to get drained and reload with cookies and coke then I'm willing - depending on the costs involved.

    Now my RSS reader (Google) isn't updating me when you post. Grrr.

    Facebook also didn't show me the post from Megan about the upcoming camping trip. I'm feeling left out :(

    Next time I'm talking to the board of directors at Google or Facebook I'll be sure to give them a piece of my mind. Although, if I'm not happy with the results there's no more supervisors to ask to see.

    BTW, that reminds me of the time I called the White House to talk to the President. Always take your complaints to the people that can actually help!

    GranDad

    GranDad

    GranDad ~ Jun 8, 2009 at 5:23 PM

  4. I was a member of the blood bank a few years ago, before I knew that I wasn't eligible to donate and there were a few times I most definitely DID donate. Hopefully my portion of Mad Cow is dormant or someone very unlucky is going to have a very unique surprise on the other side :(

    I do know that rather than donating blood for the blood bank (for which there is no annual cost) you can elect to make a generously (implied) donation *rather* than give blood - an either or type situation. I say "implied" because if you don't give blood xx amount of times per your yearly membership renewal term, you basically get sent a bill (and even have Blood Bank collectors call you!) I forgot to donate during the easiest available times while I was a member and they make a solid attempt that you don't forget. Ever. Again.

    It was pretty surprising when I found out that we (Mom, You, Jared and I) can't donate - especially considering all the times I have in the past (they should really put that on the questionaire you have to fill out every time!) Since Boy Scouts, I haven't been as active in the community as I used to be partly due to time constraints (those parties aren't going to have themselves!) and also partly due to a lack of organizations that appeal to me to volunteer for. Giving blood was something I was happy doing, due to the multitude of applications your donation can help with, and it wasn't very time consuming.

    Hopefully I'll find something to do and will be able to donate more of my abilities to someone or something that could use them.

    justinT

    justinT ~ Jun 8, 2009 at 6:58 PM

  5. This is a great idea Adam! I really hope you get someone to trade as it helps all around!

    Our blood bank here requires nothing of you, well okay blood helps, and as I found out enough Iron :) They usually have gifts/tee shirts/contests/incentives other than cookies and soda. Recently the blood bank made a call to the public saying they DESPERATELY needed blood as they had started buying it from another area of Texas, and well, as you know, I'm ALL for helping in that area so I enlisted Kev and off we went. My Hematocrit was 2 points too low though. Since I was not able to give, I am making conscious changes to my diet to increase my blood level so that I can donate in a few weeks.

    I am glad that you are bringing attention to the subject, and doing your part to help, your own blood or not. :)

    Shelly

    Shelly ~ Jun 8, 2009 at 9:01 PM

  6. Kevin took me up on the offer: http://kevinandshelly.blogspot.com/2009/06/we-answered-call.html

    Adam

    Adam ~ Jun 10, 2009 at 8:48 AM

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