Resident Thomas Gray has helped a lot of people since becoming a regular blood donor in the ’80s.

Just how many, you ask?

Possibly 312, according to Southcoast Hospitals Group Donor Program Coordinator Cathy Alegria.

The Southcoast Blood Bank and St. Luke’s Hospital recently recognized Gray for reaching the 13-gallon donation milestone.

According to Alegria, one pint of blood is drawn each visit, which occurs every eight weeks. One pint can save up to three people. For those without a calculator on hand, 13 gallons equals 104 pints—multiply by three, and you get 312.

“It’s a great feeling,” says Gray. “I try to tell everyone I can that giving blood is a simple thing to do, and it goes a long way.”

As a kid, Gray would accompany his mother as she donated blood, which instilled in him the need to give. He’s passed that on to his 23-year-old daughter, Jessica.

“It’s definitely a family thing for us,” Gray says. “When she was younger, we’d go together.”

Though his wife, Margaret, hasn’t donated as much as he, she says the hospital staff and fellow donors have become a second family of sorts.

“Everybody knows him,” she says. “And it’s great that he’s kept at this, and it’s a great way to help others.”

Gray admits that donating blood can be a sensitive subject for some people.

“Maybe it’s the needles, maybe it’s just the thought of seeing blood,” he says. “But the truth is, there is very little discomfort. In fact, I think getting a mosquito bite is worse than going through the whole procedure.”

Gray also says that a very small number of people give blood.

“My daughter and I have also earmarked our donations for family members in need,” he says. “Or sometimes we’ll have our donation be named for a local church or charity.”

According to Southcoast Hospitals Group, approximately 1,300 pints of blood are used each month. Alegria says the record holder is 76-year-old Dartmouth resident Danny Callahan. His milestone? A whopping 26 gallons.

“What Gray has achieved is just awesome,” Alegria says. “We could use more people like him. We have a strong group, but can always use more.”

Southcoast Hospitals Group is currently offering incentives for donors, including certificates for a pound of Dunkin’ Donuts coffee and raffles for Boston Bruins tickets.

“To know that someone in a crucial situation is getting what they need, that’s the biggest reward,” Gray says. “And I’ll donate as long as I can. I think I still have a few more gallons in me.”

For more information on donating blood, visit http://www.southcoast.org/ bloodbank/