Maureen. Aunt Marion. Robby. Maureen again. Gaelen.

That’s my list of loved ones who I know have received blood transfusions, the list that reminds me not to let too much time pass without giving blood myself.

You know, giving blood. The American Red Cross.

You’ve never donated? I was one of those, too, the fraidy-cats who can’t abide needles. Some people are that way and can’t help it, while others of us can get over it if the right opportunity comes up.

My opportunity was Rick Levasseur, an editor who has been with the Bangor Daily News for many years.

In fact, it was quite a few years ago that he asked me, casually, if I wanted to join a blood drive. Hard as I tried to think of a good reason to say no, one wouldn’t come to me. So I said OK, not really meaning it.

But maybe I could do it, with the right support. So off I went with my husband in tow – the aforementioned Gaelen – because it would be better to have someone who could pick me up off the floor if need be.

Sure, I got a little dizzy the first two times I gave a unit of blood. After that I was a big girl and went all by myself. Lots of times. I don’t get dizzy any more.

There are many benefits to giving blood. Here are just a few:

. It doesn’t hurt. The pinch from the needle lasts, at most, 1 whole second.

. Giving blood helps you be a lot less spleeny when you have to get a shot or have blood drawn for a lab test. In fact, I think it makes you braver, overall.

. Giving blood sheds calories, as many as 3,000, I’ve been told. That’s a lot of jumping jacks.

. You meet great people who are sincerely happy to see you.

. You can read while you donate.

. Your phone doesn’t ring while you’re there, unless you’re foolish enough to leave it on. I don’t.

. You have great refreshments afterward – usually juice and cookies or cheese crackers. Sometimes pizza!

. You get to help people and it doesn’t cost you a cent.

. The person you help might be Maureen, Aunt Marion, Robby, Maureen again or Gaelen.

. Or someone you love.

The American Red Cross Blood Donor Center at 900B Hammond St. is open noon-7 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays. In addition, ;the Red Cross holds blood drives throughout the area. For information, call 941-2900.