Alley Pond to Hold Blood Drive

Alley Pond Environmental Center is calling on eligible northeast Queens residents to give blood during a drive on Aug. 25.

The center, located at 228-06 Northern Blvd. in Douglaston, is aiming for 60 pints of blood during the drive, which will run from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The center has collected a total 150 pints of blood during the four drives it has held since October 2009.

“We generally have the right number of people walk in, although they are not always eligible to give blood due to their iron levels,” said Liz McGlinchey, the center’s registrar.

Currently, a total 40 Queens residents have made appointments to give blood, she said.

The center will host its next drive in February.

Ages 17 and older will be eligible to give blood. Parental permission is required for 16 year olds, while residents 76 years or older must have a doctor’s note.

Donors must weigh at least 110 pounds and cannot have been tattooed or pierced within the past year.

The blood drive is being operated by Alley Pond and the New York Blood  Center.

To find out if you are eligible, call 1-800-688-0900.

For more information, call the environmental center at 718-229-4000, ext. 200 or email emcglinchey@alleypond.com.