CARMEL- A steady stream of donors rolled up their sleeves during Putnam County’s semi-annual blood drive, Friday—a drive sponsored by the Driscoll Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police in conjunction with the Carmel Knights of Columbus lodge, Putnam residents serving with the Fire Department of New York City and Guardian Revival.
The drive resulted in 128 pints of blood being collected which coordinator Denis Hanrahan described as being “fantastic. Putnam folks have once again stepped up to the plate.”
The drive was highlighted when a police car marked Paterson, New Jersey, pulled up in front of the Carmel Veterans Hall.
Officers Daniela and Edward Garcia traveled the 90 minutes with their canine Dave to not only donate blood but to meet with the Putnam drive’s organizer Denis Hanrahan since they are planning to arrange a blood drive similar to the ones held twice each year before the July 4 holiday and Christmas locally in the Garden State’s third largest city.
The need for blood always intensifies this time of the year, with vacations on the minds of many local residents. The New York Blood Bank declared a blood emergency urging the public to roll up their sleeves and donate.
Hanrahan reported since its inception 27 years ago, the Putnam blood drives, held prior to Christmas and Independence Day, have collected more than 3,500 unit donations: “What a tribute to our generous community,” said Hanrahan who thanked the public for its support and promised to return around Christmas with the next blood collection.
