Every other month, for years..
They give me cookies and lemonade, and sometimes a t-shirt..
The only time I've had any issues afterwards, was because I didn't drink anything beforehand.. Now, I drink a can of soda on the way, and I feel fine afterwards.
I worked for the Red Cross for over four years and they are right about the non-profit situation. It takes a lot of processing to get a pint of blood to the patient when they need it. We had to make sure it was disease free with no drugs etc. in it and the regulations of the Food & Drug Adm. are very strict. Even the plastic bag the pint goes into cost over five bucks back when I worked for them three years ago.
I couldn't give blood myself due to being exposed to Mad Cow. They asked about it and I told them the truth ....... I was married to one for sixteen years.
har har har