OXFORD - This weekend at the American Legion Fort Hill Park Post 376 in Oxford, Jeff Emerson reached his 80th blood donation, marking ten gallons given over the course of his lifetime.

His daughter Evelyn made her second donation on that same day. This is a tradition for the Emerson family of Oxford, 20 years ago, Jeff’s father, David Emerson, made his 100th donation on the same day his granddaughter Rhiannon Begeal made her first.

David Emerson, almost at his 200th donation, prefers to donate via power red, a method that uses a machine to collect red blood cells while returning platelets and plasma to the donor. The process takes approximately an hour.

David said, “You can’t do more for society in an hour than you can donating blood, especially considering the need. There are not many substitutes.”

As a child recovering from tonsillectomy, David required a blood transfusion. He needed multiple units; the first two came from his own father.

“More people could and should do it,” David said. For those who are unable or ineligible to donate blood, he noted that the broader system still relies on volunteers. “Staff are here in the early morning working difficult hours for not a lot of money. If you can’t donate, you can volunteer at the bloodmobile or a drive near you.”

David shares this sentiment with his son, Jeff Emerson, who began donating in high school and has continued for years since. Jeff also donates power red, typically three times per year.

Jeff carries a blood type that is particularly valuable to hospitals: he is both O negative and CMV negative. O negative is the universal donor type, meaning it can be given to patients of any blood type. CMV, or cytomegalovirus, is a common virus carried by the majority of adults. While it poses little risk to healthy people, it can be dangerous for premature infants and newborns with underdeveloped immune systems.

Only one to two percent of the population is both O negative and CMV negative. The American Red Cross designates donors with this blood type as “Heroes for Babies.” Contributions from Donors like Jeff are directed specifically toward neonatal intensive care units, where CMV-negative blood is required for the most vulnerable infant patients.

When asked about donating, Jeff describes it as his “contribution to mankind.” According to Jeff, the process has become easier over time. “With the introduction of RapidPass, it’s gotten more streamlined. Usually I am in and out within an hour, they make it pretty easy.”

“There are only so many donations a person can make. But if I can inspire someone else to donate, it’s worth it.”

Evelyn Emerson, Jeff’s daughter, has a much shorter donor history. Evelyn said she was motivated by her father, but also in part by an awareness of how many people cannot donate. “We are taking advantage of the fact that we are healthy,” she said. “A lot of people may not be able to donate or may be temporarily ineligible. The questionnaire leaves out more people than you think.”

Jeff said watching his daughter begin donating was heartwarming. “It’s very cool to see a multigenerational blood donor legacy and is inspiring that she may take up the charge. There are only so many donations a person can make. But if I can inspire someone else to donate, it’s worth it.”

The American Red Cross accepts whole blood, power red, platelet, and plasma donations. Donor eligibility requirements vary; a brief health questionnaire is completed at each appointment. Blood drives are held regularly throughout the area and walk-in appointments are often available. Donors can find upcoming drives and schedule appointments at redcrossblood.org.

The Emersons encourage you to walk in and try to donate, whether you are a first timer or returning. Those who are ineligible to donate can support local drives by volunteering. The Red Cross regularly seeks volunteers to assist at blood drives and mobile donation units.