Everyone has their own reasons for donating blood, but a few common ones include: Donating is a generous thing to do. It helps people in need, and it helps people in your community. When you give, others live. Donors, especially those who donate regularly, keep our nation’s blood supply stable. Although many people donate blood after disasters, blood is needed every day of the year. There is no substitute for blood. Donors provide the only supply of life-saving blood for those in need. Donating is simple, fast, and convenient. The donation process can take as little as 45 minutes of your time, but can make a lifelong difference for someone else.