They say everybody has a story, but there are those who stand out from the rest. Donny Martin is one of these.

Sunday he will receive a commemorative pin from the American Red Cross representing his 19th gallon of blood donated through the organization. He has a pin for each gallon given.

But Donny is not quick to speak of his efforts. Anyone who knows him knows the real reason his picture appears in our paper every year just before the annual Donny Martin blood drive takes off. He wants to challenge others to give – not necessary 19 gallons, although that would be great – but he wants his story to be an inspiration to someone who has never given blood.

Donny first gave in November 1957, and he has never found a reason to stop.

Giving blood is one of those simple things just about anybody can do. If you want to do something good for someone but don’t know exactly what that something is, giving blood is a great way to start.

I believe people don’t truly appreciate blood donors until the need hits close to home. When a loved one is in need of blood, you are grateful for every drop that was donated, and you appreciate the people that took time out of their day to give.

Sunday, the American Red Cross will host Donny Martin Day at West End Baptist Church from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The church is located at 2005 Second Ave. in Clanton.

Please stop by and give. You have a five-and-a-half-hour window in which to do so. I’m sure Donny would appreciate it, and a lot of other people would, too.

– Scott Mims is the news editor for The Clanton Advertiser. His column appears each Friday. He can be reached at scott.mims@clantonadvertiser.com.