December 17, 2000 The gift of life Give generously of yourself this season - and throughout the year - by being a blood donor By AMY SCHOON The selfless Smout Rob Smout of Marriott-Slaterville hasn't kept count of the pints of blood he's donated over the past 19 years. Because he's O-negative, he gets calls from the Red Cross periodically, asking him to donate. He's more than willing. He won't look at the needle going in, but he says it doesn't really hurt. The worst part, he insists, is pulling off the tape that secures the blood collection paraphernalia and losing a few arm hairs. Smout dutifully gives his pint each time, stops at the courtesy snack bar for Oreos and an orange juice, then goes on his way. He never meets those he helps, but he knows they're out there. Maybe Diane Bodily and her son have a bit of his blood coursing through their veins. "People who are in need of blood don't have any options. This is life or death for them," Smout said. "This is a way I can help them live." You can reach reporter Amy Schoon at 625-4277 or aschoon@standard.net. 25