Alley Pond to Hold Blood Drive

Alley Pond Environmental Center is seeking a few generous donors for a blood drive in Douglaston on Feb. 23.

The drive, which will run from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., is the fourth to be held at the center, located at 228-06 Northern Blvd. in Douglaston. Alley Pond is hosting the event with the New York Blood Center.

“Each pint of blood can save up to three lives,” said Liz McGlinchey, the environmental center’s front office manager.

McGlinchey said she began operating the event at the center after donating to several blood drives.

“I’m a frequent blood donor,” she said. “We have the space, so it seemed a shame not to use it to save lives.”

The center, which has already collected 100 pints of blood during its first three drives, will offer free babysitting services for parents as they make their donation.

But blood supplies are low this winter due to the onslaught of snowstorms during the past two months that have caused several local blood drives to be cancelled, McGlinchey said.

She expected an estimated 40 people to give blood during the drive. The center will hold another blood drive toward the end of the summer.

To be eligible to give blood, visitors to the center must bring identification with a signature or photo and must weigh at least 110 pounds. Donors should be between the ages of 16 years and 75 years.

Ages 76 years and older must bring a doctor’s note with them. Prior to giving blood, donors should eat low fat foods and drink plenty of fluids. Attendees who have gotten a tattoo in the past year will not be allowed to give blood.

For more information concerning medical eligibility, call 1-800-688-0900. To schedule an appointment, call McGlinchey at 718-229-4000, ext. 200 or send an email to emglinchey@alleypond.com.