“It’s fast and painless, but it can save a life,” one eager donor said as he rolled up his sleeve to allow the nurse to tie the tourniquet.

It was the occasion of the sixth annual Gouves blood drive held at the Town Hall in Gournes, made possible through the efforts of the Help at Home Team, with the cooperation of the Gouves demos and other local associations.

Although 45 people showed up to give their blood, only 27 were selected after testing, including: Manolis Karithis (right), 27, of Pano Gouves, who has given blood several times before, and Thanasis Himonakis, 35 of Metaxohori Monofatsiou, who is also a regular donor.

Elisavet Kaloyiannaki, a nurse from University Hospital, was on hand to assist in the blood drive.