APEC Hosts Memorial Blood Drive

Alley Pond Environmental Center will host a blood drive on Aug. 21 in memory of the nephew of one of the Douglaston center’s employees who died recently.

The center, located at 228-06 Northern Blvd., has hosted nine blood drives since 2009, bringing in a total 325 pints to date, said Liz McGlinchey, an APEC spokeswoman.

“We usually get between 30 and 40 pints per drive,” she said. “The goal for this drive is to get over 40 pints.”

All blood collected during the drive, which will run from 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., will be given to the New York Blood Center.

The event is being held in memory of Eric Zirkel, 25, a nephew of one of APEC’s educators and blood drive coordinators.

“He passed away very suddenly last week,” McGlinchey said. “Over the last year, he was the recipient of a few blood transfusions. So, to honor him we will be donating blood in his memory.”

Those planning to give blood should not have tattoos that are less than a year old. Donors should also eat iron-rich foods prior to the drive.

McGlinchey said a blood test will be taken on all participants to ensure that it is safe for them to donate.

Free babysitting will be available at APEC.