When talking to those who, as a matter of their daily lives, donate blood, it’s funny how often the idea of avoiding responsibility comes up.

More than once, in reporter Kristin Okinaka’s story on Central Kitsap’s top donors, those who have given selflessly actually started, as a matter of fact, to get out of doing something.

Most of the time, what they are trying to avoid is school, thus setting them on a lifetime of blood donating.

Of course, it can be said, donating blood is the opposite of avoiding responsibility.

One thing that stands in the way for many who would donate, but don’t, is the fear of needles. It’s true, giving blood isn’t always painless. But despite the temporary, minor discomfort, it is worth it: It could mean the difference between life and death.

There are many ways to contribute.

But unlike other forms of community service, giving blood, truly, is giving of oneself.