From the American Red Cross
Union City resident Allan Hutty decided to do something special for someone else’s sweetheart on Valentine’s Day. He made his 80th blood donation at the American Red Cross Blood Donation Center in Newark.
Since each unit is about a pint, Hutty’s 80th donation is equivalent to 10 gallons of blood.
Each donation may help save the life of more than one person, meaning over the years, Hutty has helped at least 80 people he doesn’t even know.
“I started donating blood in 1986 at Washington Hospital (Fremont). I saw a co-worker come back from donating with a big sticker on his shirt saying he gave blood. I had always been afraid of needles, but after donating once, I made it a regular habit,” said Hutty. “It’s exciting to tell my neighbors, my business partners, that giving blood is not that difficult. It’s a commitment of an hour’s time.”
According to the Red Cross, Hutty is one of a select group who has donated 10 gallons or more mostly at the Newark center.
“Last year, approximately 7,000 donations were made at this center,” said Sara O’Brien, communications manager for the American Red Cross. “From that large number, only about 25 people have donated 10 gallons of blood or more like Mr. Hutty, making him a very special donor.”
In addition to donating blood, Hutty provided the donors and staff with entertainment. Hutty, who calls himself the “Crooner by the Bay” and has performed at weddings and other special occasions, sang a few numbers in honor of Valentine’s Day, including “I Left My Heart in San Francisco”.
The Newark Blood Donation Center is located at 39227 Cedar Boulevard in the Cedar Village Shopping Plaza. It is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Appointments can be made by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visiting redcrossblood.org.
