LYNDONVILLE - On Valentine's Day people were sharing the true gift of love to those in need, a gift that could save the lives of many.

Nancy Lawrence, a Lyndonville resident, went to the blood drive hosted by the American Red Cross at Lyndon State College. Lawrence has been a bi-annual donor for the past years.

"I have been donating for as long as I can remember," said Lawrence.

Lawrence who is now retired, enjoys donating because it is something that is good to do, but also for a much bigger reason.

"I'm B negative and there is only 15% of the population in the United States that are B negative," explained Lawrence.

Officials from the blood drive said that blood supply has been better than in the past. But with so little people who are B negative, doctors are always looking for those individuals to donate.

Lawrence echoed that response with "there are not a lot of people that are B negative, so it's a need."

A larger reason many people steer away from donating is not because of the needles and blood, but because of time.

"The longest part is going through the history and paperwork. But I get in and out in 45 minutes," said Lawrence.

Heading to the refreshment table as she finished donating blood, Lawrence gathered with other members of the community who had just given blood.

"It's the heart month and it's Valentine's day..." One other reasons why Lawrence was donating this day.

Local coordinators of the blood drive estimated that ninety pints of blood had been donated during the event.

To learn about how to become a donor or if you would like more information about the American Red Cross visit their official website.