To learn more about blood and platelets donation, we talked to six donors at the New York Blood Center on why the act is so meaningful to them.

I've been donating blood since high school. So I guess that would mean almost 20 years ... It's the easiest and most beautiful gift you can give that doesn't cost anything, that doesn't take anything, and I'm lucky enough to be healthy and able. So, to me, it feels like a very simple thing, and a simple gesture to do, that can help other people, so why wouldn't I do it.

-Kate Amore

"I've been donating blood for around five years. I try to do it at least four times a year ... My favorite part is definitely the ending. Like, the satisfaction of knowing that even though I sat here for a couple hours, as some people do, I did something for a better cause." -David Pintor

Read the full article on blood donation by Katie Ward at A Plus