Merlin Schreiber

During his 37-year career at Mayo Clinic, Merlin Schreiber witnessed many changes in the Mayo campus. As staff, medical buildings and parking structures came and went, one thing that remained constant was Schreiber's commitment to donating blood. Today, even after retirement, that commitment continues.

"I've got something people can use. Why not share?" he explains. A lifelong resident of Plainview, Minn., Schreiber began donating blood in 1960, before he took a job in Mayo Clinic's photography lab. As the years rolled by, Schreiber says his goal was to donate as often as he could.

Balancing work, family life and his love of fishing, Schreiber recognized that donating blood is a form of community service that was easy to fit into his busy schedule. "It's just a convenient way to help people," says Schreiber.

Schreiber notes that the donor center's friendly staff always help make the experience a pleasant one. "The staff there are all just great. They always deliver a cheerful 'good morning' and 'thank you.' It's a very nice bunch of people."

About 10 years ago, Schreiber also began donating platelets and plasma. This process involves donating only one component found in your blood, which allows more frequent donations.

Schreiber retired from Mayo Clinic in June of 2005 and now drives a commuter bus for Rochester City Lines. Between driving the bus, spending time with his wife, Marian, and fishing, Schreiber's calendar remains full. But he still finds time to donate blood, dropping by the donor center every 10 days or so.

"Over the years I've helped a lot of people, and that gives you a good feeling," says Schreiber.