The Northern New England Blog

By David Ullman, American Red Cross Writer and Visual Storyteller Every December for more than two decades, hundreds of residents of Rutland, Vermont, and the neighboring counties have congregated together for a very special gift giving tradition. In a winter month characterized by cold temperatures and warm sentiments, by friendly gatherings and family plans, by whimsical pranks and heartwarming intentions, hundreds of men and women come together, partnering with the American Red Cross to generously donate the gift of life. They give blood. The metaphoric “Father Christmas” figure who initiated this crusade is Steve Costello. Over the years Costello has organized the annual Gift of Life Marathon Blood Drive, along with organizing other blood drives across Vermont. In 2013, the Gift of Life Marathon Blood drive established a record for the most units collected in a single day, over 2,000 units. As with all records, it was eventually bested. However, for a time, this town and coun...