According to the American Red Cross, one donation of blood can save up to three lives. For Willard Wendorff of rural Hutchinson, those three potential lives have multiplied quite a few times over the years.

“The first time I donated, the Red Cross had come to Cosmos in 1964,” the 77-year-old said last week. “My mother talked me into it.”

Since then, Wendorff has been a regular donor. Just this past month he reached his 23rd gallon at a blood drive at Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. Eight donated units makes a gallon.

To reach his most recent milestone, Wendorff maintained donations whenever he was allowed, save for a time when he couldn’t for a medical reason, and when he’s been deferred for low hemoglobin.

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