by SAMMY PAYNE

Special to the Sounder

An Orcas Island man has potentially saved 216 lives by donating nine gallons of his own blood.

Edward LeCocq gives blood six times a year and donated his 72nd pint last week.

LeCocq began to donate blood after moving to Orcas Island in the 1980s.

“I think it’s part of what makes Orcas a nice community,” he said. “It’s a civic duty and you can take pride in doing something for somebody else.”

Blood supply levels for the Northwest have been described as critically low. One pint of blood can save up to three lives. More than 900 donor registrations are needed every day to maintain an operational blood supply in Western Washington, according to the Puget Sound Blood Center.

Islanders help supply blood through Lions Club members hosting blood drives on Orcas Island and Friday Harbor.

Each year the two islands compete in order to donate the most blood. Blood drive organizer Paul Losleben of the Orcas Island Lions Club said he expected around 90 islanders to turn up at last week’s drive.

“We usually beat Friday Harbor in terms of the number of people who turn out – our best drive was 110,” he said.

Losleben said the volunteers who donate are not doing anything unusual for Orcas Islanders.

“Orcas has always been about looking out for each other and being active within the community. We care about each other here,” he said.

Pharmacist Robin Becker has donated 64 pints of blood. She began donating because she wanted to do something nice for somebody.

“It’s a worthwhile endeavor People need the blood and I have it and there’s no reason why I can’t make some more,” Becker said.

Blood drives are particularly needed during the summer months because an increase in accidents results in a higher demand for blood. The next blood drive is Sept. 26 at the Eastsound Fire Hall.

“These people are giving the gift of life,” Losleben said.