Office of Borough President James P. Molinaro
Staten Island, New York
9/11 Memorial blood donor drive surpasses goal
Molinaro Urges Islanders to Give “The Gift of Life” During Critical Shortage
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – Borough President James P. Molinaro today thanked the 393 Staten Islanders who gave “the gift of life” at his fourth annual September 11th Blood Donor Drive, far exceeding the goal of 275 pints – one for each Staten Island victim of the World Trade Center terrorist attacks.
“I’m very proud that on the fifth anniversary of 9/11, Staten Islanders came out in record numbers to give the gift of life as a way of paying tribute to our lost loved ones,” said Molinaro.
For the fourth year in a row, Molinaro held a five-day blood drive last week across the Borough to honor the memory of the Staten Islanders killed on 9/11. The goal was to collect 275 pints – one for each victim, including Stephen Knapp, who was killed in the 1993 bombing of the Twin Towers.
“Staten Islanders have always come together and given generously of themselves, particularly in time of need, and these 393 pints should go a long way in helping to alleviate the current blood shortage.”
Today, the New York Blood Center announced a dangerously low supply of blood on hand to serve 200 New York and New Jersey hospitals.
“This summer, the Blood Center had to ration supplies to hospitals due to a low supply. Now, without increased donations, hospitals will no longer have the blood they need to treat their patients,” Molinaro said. “I appeal to all Staten Islanders to roll up your sleeves and give the gift of life. The life you save may be that of a neighbor, a friend, a family member, or your own.”
Brooklyn/Staten Island Blood Services operates a donation site at 2791 Richmond Avenue (above Verizon Wireless) in New Springville,that is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. To make an appointment to donate blood, call 1-800-933-BLOOD, or go to www.nybloodcenter.org.
September 13, 2006