I first donated blood for my father's cancer surgery in ‘90. Then I donated again for my 25-week preemie son in ‘94. Both are called directed donations. When I learned with my son's donation that I was CMV-, which I never heard of but find out was good for preemies, I started donating regularly. 123 donations later, I do appreciate the texts telling me my blood was on the way to help someone. I always worried the donation might go to waste. The gifts aren't necessary, but they are a great incentive too.