When I was an impressionable teenager, my neighbor Frank was a blood donor. He was a man I looked up to, and he inspired me to donate for the first time at 18.

Now, at 77, I was fortunate enough to have donated my 200th pint — 25 gallons throughout my life. What made this experience so special was not just the lofty number, but the fact I was surrounded and supported by my family.

On Dec. 27, I donated alongside my daughter Jill and granddaughter Emily. While the three of us donated a pint each, my wife Sue and other granddaughter Erin cheered us on.

Donating blood is an easy experience. An hour of your time and a small needle prick will save three lives with the one pint. It has gotten to the point of habit that four to six times a year I make my way to the Red Cross or Lawrence + Memorial Hospital and see the familiar faces of staff and fellow donors.

This may not be a new process for me, but the impact is not lost on me.

I am grateful for my own health and ability to donate, and to have a supportive family inspired to donate, much like how my neighbor inspired me.

My middle granddaughter is a teacher. When her school hosted a blood drive, she mentioned how I had donated over 24 gallons. One of her students replied, “Wow. How much does he have left?”

I anticipate donating for as long as I can, not nearly the oldest among the group of habitual donors I see at the Red Cross. And if this helps inspire someone to make the time to donate themselves, all the better.

Walter Chojnacki lives in Waterford.

Kindness in Real Life is a regular feature in the Times. To submit, email times@theday.com.